Tanzania says upgrade of Mererani road nears completion

The construction of Tanzania’s Mererani Road a 22 kilometer road that will be linking Mererani gemstone mines to the rest of the country through Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA) is set to be complete by the end of December the ministry of Transport and communication has announced.

The multi-million dollar project is currently being undertaken by a Chinese construction firm, China Henan International Corporation Group Limited (Chico) and they had quote dthat they will deliver the project before the end of December.

Manyara regional manager for Tanzania National Roads Agency (Tanroads) Yohane Kisaini said the upgrading being financed fully by the government.

“We fully financed the construct ion of the road and we expect that in the few months remaining the project will be delivered” he added.

He added that the project was being carried out by both the local contractors and the Chinese based company and so far the work in the project is 90% complete.

“Delays were caused by Tanzania Electric Supply Company Limited in the removal of electricity poles and cables especially near the mining town,” he explained.

The upgrading of the road is one of the very many project that are currently ongoing in Tanzania and once complete it will ensure that they transport industry is streamlined.

Upgrading of the busy road was one of the promises made by the government way back in 1995 when former president Benjamin Mkapa came to power.

The road is expected to boost the economy of the area, especially tanzanite mining at Mererani which has led to the flourishing of other economic activities in the semi-arid area and ease transportation between Mererani and Arusha and Moshi.

According to the recent state address by Tanzanian government presidents he looking to add more money to the transport industry so that they can ensure that they improve on all trade channels.

Road infrastructure in Africa is seen as a major catalyst that can spur economic growth in a continent that is slowly rising from years of underdevelopment in many sectors.