PRIME Minister Kassim Majaliwa is expected to travel to the southern regions this week to oversee the restoration of road connectivity following severe disruptions caused by heavy rainfall.

Amos Makalla, the head of Ideology, Publicity and Training in the ruling party secretariat, made this affirmation at a rally in Nanyamba, head offices of a district in Mtwara Region.

He said that President Samia Suluhu Hassan has instructed the premier to closely oversee the work after members of Parliament from Lindi and Mtwara regions expressed concern on damaged road infrastructure, a situation taken up by the secretariat and relayed to the party chairperson for intervention.

Restoration work has already commenced with the Tanzania Roads Agency (Tanroads) under the Ministry of Works, which began restoring access in affected areas following a visit by top officials on April 10, enabling the resumption of traffic, he said.

The president has authorized disbursement of over 100bn/- for rebuilding damaged bridges, underscoring the government’s commitment to mitigating the impact of the recurrent floods, he stated.

The departmental head who is conducting a 10-day tour of the two regions reiterated the government’s determination to extend coverage of durable roads to ensure uninterrupted transport across the southern corridor.

He inspected the Mtwara–Nanyamba–Newala–Masasi economic road project, a 210-kilometre strategic route built at a cost of 234bn/-, intended to strengthen links to Liganga and Mchuchuma iron and coal mining zone and Mbambabay port, thus facilitating transit trade.

The secretary noticeably affirmed that 157bn/- has been allocated for upgrading Mtwara Port, a key requirement to drive economic development in the region.

Urging residents to maintain peace and unity before and after the upcoming elections, the mobilisation czar welcomed Coletha Kanyimba, a former ACT-Wazalendo member and ex-parliamentary candidate, into CCM ranks.

He praised the president’s efforts in reforming the cashew sector, commending MPs from the zone for working closely with the government to ensure that farmers’ interests are protected.

Nape Nnauye, the Mtama MP and CCM National Executive Committee (NEC) member, assured the residents that the cashew industry was secure under the president’s leadership.

 “If there were real issues, I wouldn’t support the current system. But Tandahimba’s cashew industry is safe,” he stated, cautioning against political incitement.

Conflicts in neighbouring countries are a stark reminder of the consequences of unrest, he stated, appealing to the audience to forge ranks with CCM as it had preserved peace and stability.

Renewed flooding and road disruptions at the Somanga–Mtama Bridge in Kilwa, Lindi Region was the point of focus of the recent situation, he added.