NEWALA: HUNDREDS of cashew farmers in Kanyunye Village can now reach markets and essential services faster and at lower cost after the completion of a stone bridge and a 2.6-kilometre access road, ending years of long detours and seasonal isolation.
The project, implemented by the Tanzania Rural and Urban Roads Agency (TARURA) under the Roads for Inclusive Socio-Economic Opportunities (RISE) programme, has transformed mobility in Kanyunye, cutting travel time, reducing transport costs, and improving access to schools, healthcare, and nearby markets for residents and surrounding villages.
For years, farmers were forced to travel through Masasi District to reach the cashew warehouse in Moneka Village due to the absence of a bridge across a seasonal river, adding distance, time, and transport expenses to every harvest season.
According to TARURA Newala District Manager, Eng Silvester Balama, the project was designed specifically to get rid of a long-standing transport bottleneck that had limited economic activity in the area.
“Cashew farming is the backbone of livelihoods in Kanyunye, but the lack of a bridge made it extremely difficult to move produce to Moneka warehouse efficiently,” he said.
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He explained that the new bridge now provides a direct transport link between the two villages, allowing faster movement of agricultural produce and ensuring year-round access for traders and transport operators.
Previously, children in Kanyunye had no choice but to cross the river daily to reach Moneka Primary School, a risky and often disrupted journey, especially when heavy rains made the crossing impassable.
“During the rainy season, children struggled to cross, which affected school attendance. The bridge has now made their journey safe and reliable,” Eng Balama added.
Residents say the project has transformed daily life beyond farming and schooling.
Kanyunye resident Zainabu Mohamedi Seif said access to healthcare has improved significantly, with patients now reaching facilities in Newala Town faster and at lower cost.
“We used to spend a lot of time and money travelling for treatment. Now, we simply use motorcycles and reach the hospital quickly. Life has become easier,” she said.
Fo his part, Mohamed Seif Hussein, popularly known as Mzee Mchomolo, a resident, said the former footpath has evolved into a key transport corridor serving multiple villages.
“What used to be a narrow path is now a proper road used by Kanyunye and neighbouring Mwanona residents. People no longer take long detours to access Newala,” he said.
The bridge is expected to further stimulate cashew trade, improve school attendance, and strengthen rural connectivity in the district.