The anticipated multi-billion Iringa-Msembe Road project is underway after the World Bank granted credit to the government of Tanzania. This was through the Ministry of Finance and Planning to implement the Tanzania Transport Integration Project (TanTIP). A portion of the funds raised by the TanTIP (142.56 billion) will be used to repair and enhance a 104-kilometer stretch of the regional R621. This road connects the Ruaha National Park at Msembe with Iringa Town at the Somora Roundabout. Approximately 9.2 kilometers of the Iringa-Msembe Road project fall within the Iringa Municipality, with the remaining 94.8 kilometers in the Iringa District. Furthermore, the road links Iringa with the Ruaha National Park, passing through key locations like Kalenga, Nzihi, Kidamali and Nyamahana. The road is also expected to pass through Idodi, Mapogoro, Tungamalenga, and the Msembe airstrip that serves the park.
Project Factsheet
Location: Iringa
Country: Tanzania
Significance: Improve transport between Iringa, Msembe, and to Ruaha National Park
Project Financiers: World Bank
Length: 104km
Cost of Phase: Tsh. 142.56 Billion
Significance of the Multibillion Iringa-Msembe Road Project.
The anticipated Tsh. 142.56 billion building of the 104-kilometer Iringa-Msembe Road project is intended to greatly increase tourism in the Southern Highlands. This is especially true in key areas such as Ruaha National Park. Additionally, it will make it simpler for tourists to access the area. Building this route will boost tourism, particularly from within the country, and generate income for the government. On top of that, the project will improve social services and stimulate economic growth for the people of Iringa. This will encourage investors to explore opportunities in various parks across the Southern Highlands.
Recently, the Minister for Works, Innocent Bashungwa, highlighted the road’s crucial role in enhancing tourism activities in Ruaha National Park. “For tourism to thrive, infrastructure must be in place, and this road will significantly boost tourism. “These funds have been facilitated by President Samia for this construction,” he said. The Iringa-Msembe Road project aligns with the government’s vision of improving infrastructure to support key sectors such as tourism and agriculture.
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Tanzania’s Government Insight on the Project
The government of Tanzania is dedicated to ensure that the project is delivered as soon as possible. Through this, it seeks to realize the vital potential for economic development of Tanzania’s Southern Highlands. Moreover, it seeks to leverage it is as a strategy to accelerate economic and social development in Iringa. Areas expected to benefit from this include Iringa Urban and Iringa Rural districts. This will be achieved by enhancing the road network to improve transport and tourism efficiency. Ruaha National Park, one of Tanzania’s largest and most iconic parks, is home to a rich diversity of wildlife and ecosystems. Therefore, improved road access is expected to attract more international tourists and promote domestic tourism, creating jobs and increasing local incomes.
Other Similar Projects in Tanzania
Apart from construction of the Iringa-Msembe Road project, Tanzania is making strides in ensuring it boosts transport infrastructure. President Samia recently inaugurated the Kidatu-Ifakara Road and Great Ruaha Bridge, boosting Morogoro and SAGCOT connectivity. The project is also expected to propagate economic growth. The Great Ruaha Bridge, stretching 133 meters, is expected to enhance connectivity between the regions of Morogoro and Njombe significantly. It will also connect with Ruvuma, thus boosting economic activities by making the transportation of goods and people more efficient. Similarly, the new Kidatu-Ifakara road is set to transform the transportation network within these regions. This road is crucial for the movement of agricultural produce, especially from the fertile Kilombero Valley, known for its rice and sugarcane production.
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