MASASI: RESIDENTS of Mkululu Ward and nearby areas in Masasi District, Mtwara Region, are now experiencing improved transport services following the completion of a bridge along the Chingutwa–Songambele road.
The project, implemented by the Tanzania Rural and Urban Roads Agency (TARURA) under the Roads for Inclusive Socio-Economic Opportunities (RISE) Programme, is aimed at removing long-standing transport bottlenecks that disrupted movement during the rainy season.
It is said that before its completion, the crossing was frequently impassable during heavy rains, disrupting the movement of people, agricultural produce, and school attendance.
TARURA Masasi District Manager Eng John Kimario said that the bridge will improve the transportation of agricultural produce, which forms the backbone of the local economy.
According to him, farmers in the area mainly cultivate cashew nuts, sesame, and pigeon peas, which are moved from farms to collection centres and warehouses before being transported to markets.
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“Before the construction of this bridge, transporting produce from farms to warehouses was a major challenge. During the rainy season, vehicles could not pass, making it difficult for farmers to access markets,” he observed.
Eng Kimario further noted that the bridge will now allow year-round vehicle access, improving efficiency in the movement of goods.
The said infrastructure also connects Mkululu, Chingutwa, and Lulindi wards, improving mobility for residents who depend on the route for daily activities.
Students at Mkululu Secondary School said the project has reduced delays caused by flooding during rainy seasons.
A form three student Khalid Masinde said they often had to wait for water levels to drop before crossing to school.
“We used to wait for a long time whenever it rained because crossing was impossible. Sometimes we arrived late for classes,” he said.
On the other hand, another student, Latifa Rajabu, said the bridge has improved school attendance during rainy periods.
For motorcycle operator Habibu Abdallah, transport has become more reliable, particularly during peak rainy seasons when the road was previously impassable.
“I used to wait with passengers for two or three hours, and sometimes even up to two days, before we could cross,” he said.
The bridge is expected to significantly boost economic activity by improving the reliable movement of goods and people, while also expanding access to essential services such as education, healthcare, and markets across the connected wards.