THE Tanzania Rural and Urban Roads Agency (TARURA) has emphasised the advantages of adopting stone technology in bridge and roads construction citing its cost-effectiveness and durability.

Speaking in Dar es Salaam yesterday, TARURA coordinator for stone arch bridge and stone-paved road construction, Pharles Ngeleja, highlighted the numerous benefits of the new technology.

 He noted that its construction labour-intensive nature of the technology creates employment opportunities while significantly reducing construction costs.

Ngeleja explained that stone arch bridge technology dates back to the 14th century in China and has been successfully implemented in Tanzania. 

He said as of February 2025, TARURA constructed a total of 401 stone arch bridges across the country.

Furthermore, a total of 28.92 kilometres of stone-paved roads have been built in Mwanza, Kigoma, Rukwa and Morogoro regions with an estimated lifespan of 100 years.

He emphasised that stone arch bridges are five to six times cheaper than conventional bridge structures, reducing construction costs by up to 80 percent while also being environmentally friendly.

Unlike traditional materials, stones cannot be stolen, lowering the risk of material theft.

Furthermore, the technology also requires minimal maintenance and is highly resistant to fuel and oil spills, making stone roads a durable and economical option.

"Kigoma leads in the adoption of stone arch bridges, followed by Singida, Kilimanjaro, Mbeya, Morogoro and Arusha," he said.

He said that the adoption of stone-paved roads has also contributed to significant cost savings.

For instance, in Kigoma, Mwanza, Rukwa and Morogoro regions, TARURA initially estimated a budget of 46bn/- but by utilising stone paving technology, the agency completed the projects at only 10bn/ —a fraction of the expected cost.

"By embracing this technology, TARURA aims to enhance infrastructure development while ensuring long-term sustainability and cost efficiency," Ngeleja said.

Edwin Kabwoto, TARURA manager in Kinondoni region, commended the agency’s successful projects in the area. 

He cited the completion of a 3.5-kilometre road at Masaki at an estimated cost of 5bn/- which has significantly improved movement of residents.

“TARURA remains committed to advancing cost-effective and durable infrastructure solutions, ensuring better connectivity and economic growth across Tanzania,” he said.