The construction of the anticipated multibillion-dollar Iringa-Msembe Road project officially started after the World Bank extended funding to Tanzania’s government. The Tanzania Transport Integration Project (TanTIP) was being implemented by the Ministry of Finance and Planning. A portion of the TanTIP’s funds (142.56 billion) will be allocated to repair and upgrade a 104-km section of the regional R621. This route connects Msembe’s Ruaha National Park to Iringa Town’s Somora Roundabout. The Iringa Municipality manages around 9.2 km of the Iringa-Msembe Road project, while the rest 94.8 kilometers belongs to the Iringa District. Furthermore, the route connects Iringa to Ruaha National Park, traversing via major localities such as Nzihi, Kalenga, Nyamahana and Kidamali. The route is also expected to go across Mapogoro, Idodi, Tungamalenga, and the Msembe airport, which services the park.
The Tsh. 142.56 billion Iringa-Msembe Road project, which would span 104 kilometers, is expected to significantly boost tourism. This is particularly true in important regions like Ruaha National Park. Furthermore, it will make it easier for tourists to visit the area. Constructing this route will increase tourism, especially across the country, and create revenue for the government. Furthermore, the project would strengthen social services and promote economic growth in Iringa. This will inspire investors to look into prospects in several parks throughout the Southern Highlands.
Innocent Bashungwa, the Minister for Works, has emphasized the road’s importance in boosting the tourism industry in Ruaha National Park. Tourist need infrastructure to thrive, and this route will dramatically increase tourist. The Iringa-Msembe Road construction is consistent with the government’s objective of developing infrastructure to benefit critical sectors including tourism and agriculture. The Tanzanian government is determined to complete the project as soon as possible.
Tanzania is taking steps to improve its transportation infrastructure, in addition to constructing the Iringa-Msembe Road. President Samia just recently commissioned the Kidatu-Ifakara Road and Great Ruaha Bridge, which would improve Morogoro-SAGCOT communication. The initiative is also projected to spur economic development. The 133-meter-long Great Ruaha Bridge is projected to considerably improve connection between Morogoro and Njombe. It will additionally link with Ruvuma, promoting economic activity by improving the efficiency of transporting goods and people. In a similar way the new Kidatu-Ifakara route is expected to revolutionize the transportation network in these areas. This road is critical for the transportation of agricultural commodities, particularly from the lush Kilombero Valley, which is famous for its rice and sugarcane cultivation.
