REGIONAL managers of the Tanzania National Roads Agency (Tanroads) need to conduct regular inspections of bridges and culverts dotting the country’s trunk roads, as a precaution to forestall damage in the event of heavy rains.

Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa issued this instruction in starting an inspection tour of ongoing bridge repairs at Matandu and Somanga Mtama in Kilwa District, Lindi Region, along the Dar es Salaam–Lindi highway.

 Affected sections were severely damaged in recent downpours, where the premier noted that funds allocated for road repairs have to be used efficiently. “After every episode of heavy rain, thorough assessments should be carried out to verify that the dimensions and structural integrity of bridges and culverts remain sound,” he told the managers.

He specifically instructed the Lindi regional manager to coordinate 24-hour repair work to ensure that damaged road sections are swiftly restored to usable condition.

He also reaffirmed the government’s long-term commitment to rebuild the Dar es Salaam–Lindi–Mtwara highway to modern engineering standards.

The current bridge rehabilitation works represent the initial phase of this broader infrastructure upgrade, he said, noting that the government has allocated funding for the construction of 100 kilometres as part of a strategic shift away from piecemeal repairs. “Instead, we are focused on rebuilding entire sections of road that are prone to damage,” he stated, assuring the public that government services will continue uninterrupted, while efforts are pursued to restore and upgrade critical transport infrastructure.

 “The government is on the ground and fully engaged. Contractors are already mobilised and working—this is in direct response to directives by President Samia Suluhu Hassan,” he declared.

He also assured residents of Lindi and Mtwara regions that approval has already been obtained for funding repair and reconstruction of all road sections affected by heavy rainfall.

Abdallah Ulega, the Works minister, reported that 23 out of 43 pillars holding the bridge at Somanga have been restored, implying strong progress in implementing the project.