COMMERCIAL towns of Dakawa in Mvomero District, Morogoro Region and Kibaigwa in Kongwa District, Dodoma Region along Morogoro-Dodoma highway are set to benefit from installation of modern streetlights and truck parking facilities.

The initiative aims at enhancing safety, reducing accidents, and stimulating economic activities in the areas.

Directive for the major project was issued recently by President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who identified the towns as vital trade hubs due to their significant agricultural produce trade.

During an inspection of the highway yesterday, Works Minister Abdallah Ulega instructed  regional managers for the Tanzania National Roads Agency (TANROADS) in Morogoro and Dodoma to implement the president's directive without delay.

 “President Samia has instructed the installation of solar-powered streetlights in all developing towns along major highways, including the Morogoro-Dodoma highway. This initiative will enhance safety, reduce accidents, and promote local business activities,” he said.

He emphasized the affordability and efficiency of solar-powered streetlights and highlighted how improved infrastructure serves as a catalyst for accelerated development and economic growth.

 “To reduce congestion in Morogoro town, we will construct feeder roads from Nane Nane to Msamvu and Kihonda to Mkundi. We urge residents to support this improvement effort,” Ulega added.

Additionally, the road from Stesheni to Kihonda is being upgraded to four lanes to ease traffic congestion and attract further investment.

Ulega tasked TANROADS Morogoro Regional Manager, Alinanuswe Kyamba, to oversee construction of a 200-meter truck parking area and installation of 50 solar-powered streetlights in Dakawa. Similarly, TANROADS Dodoma Regional Manager, Zuhura Aman, was instructed to implement the same in Kibaigwa to improve the towns’ aesthetics and support 24-hour business operations.

The minister also directed Dodoma regional manager to ensure that emergency road projects include streetlights to beautify the city and develop bypass roads to alleviate traffic congestion in central Dodoma.

Regarding emergency projects, Ulega announced that the government had allocated 54 bn/-for repairing bridges damaged by El Niño rains in Morogoro and over 35 bn/- for similar repairs in Dodoma. Contractors were urged to expedite construction works to complete the projects promptly.

Kyamba confirmed that his team would immediately begin implementing the directives by dispatching experts to the sites to develope detailed work plans