CHIEF Government Spokesperson Gerson Msigwa has announced that the Kigongo–Busisi Bridge—commonly known as the JPM Bridge—is now ready for use, with public access expected to begin any time ahead of its official inauguration.

Msigwa made the statement yesterday while speaking to reporters during an inspection tour of development projects underway in Mwanza and Shinyanga regions. He explained that the bridge, which connects Sengerema and Misungwi districts, also serves as a key transit link between Tanzania and neighbouring countries including Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi. 

“The opening of this bridge will unlock vast social, economic, and cultural opportunities across all the regions and countries it connects,” he said. He noted that, at present, residents endure waits of up to four hours to cross the area using ferry services, which are frequently delayed by water hyacinth overgrowth—causing major disruptions to transport.

The project is now at 99 percent, with only minor finishing works remaining. These include painting pedestrian walkways and installing guardrails on access roads—none of which affect traffic movement.

“Construction is essentially finished. At any moment, Minister for Works will raise the flag to allow the public to begin crossing, as we await the official launch by President Samia Suluhu Hassan,” he added.

Msigwa further emphasised that the project was only 25 percent when President Samia assumed office, but has since received consistent funding under her leadership, enabling its completion within four years.

The bridge, which cost more than 700bn/-, is designed to last 100 years—with the possibility of an even longer lifespan if properly maintained. Willium Sanga, an engineer with the Tanzania National Roads Agency (TANROADS), who oversees the project, confirmed that over 530bn/- has already been paid to the contractor, with no outstanding payments remaining.

“The bridge spans three kilometres in length and 28.45 metres in width, with an additional 1.66 kilometres of connecting roads—all funded entirely by the government,” he said.

He added that the contractor was paid 592.6bn/- while the consulting engineer received 12.16bn/- . A significant portion of the project budget also went towards compensating residents affected by the construction.