A Chinese contractor has been assigned the implementation of a road infrastructure project under phase two of the Dar es Salaam Metropolitan Development Project (DMDP) valued at 24bn/-.

Sospeter Mswale, permanent secretary for Regional Administration and Local Governments in the President’s Office (PO-RALG), yesterday presided at the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Dar es Salaam City Council and China Wu Yi Co. Ltd, to build 13 roads within Ilala District, specifically in the Upanga and Ilala areas, of a total of `7.4 kilometres.

The project is geared to improve the city infrastructure and boost economic growth, he said, listing the streets in Upanga to be rebuilt under the project as Undali, Senegal, Nyangoro, Mtibu, Maweni, Mathuradas, Kiwanuka 2, Kitonga, Kalenga, Isevya and Bwera.

 In Ilala area targeted streets for road revamping include Viwandani, Somali Kipande, Lindi 1, City Garden, Songea 3 and Kilwa 2, he said, affirming that the work is part of phase two of the Dar es Salaam Metropolitan Development Project. 

“This initiative targets the Ilala and Upanga areas, where modern roads will be built. The contract will open up 7.4 kilometres of road networks in the heart of the city, significantly enhancing the efficiency of daily commercial activities,” he said.

Humphrey Kanyenye, the DMDP coordinator, said at the event that in addition to the agreement, phase two will see the construction of 63.66 kilometres of roads across the five city districts.

Phase One of the project, signed last October, involved the construction of 9.2 km in Ilala, 9.16 km in Kinondoni, 14.66 km in Ubungo, 13.4 km in Temeke and 17.78 km in Kigamboni, valued at 190.04bn/-, he said.

The financing for Phase Two was signed last month, covering 26.02 km of roads in Ilala, 11.87 km in Kinondoni, 17.33 km in Ubungo, 16.81 km in Temeke and 12.21 km in Kigamboni, altogether valued at 221.8bn/-.

Saad Khimji, a ward councilor for Ilala, welcomed the development, saying that the new roads would open up essential infrastructure and support residents’ economic activities.

Dr Toba Nguvila, the regional administrative secretary, said that DMDP will transform the city. “This project will drive development and significantly enhance business opportunities, particularly as the city operates around the clock,” he said.

Government offices will remain open to ensure smooth and uninterrupted implementation, he added.