TAZARA flyover expected to start in May 2015

Design of TAZARA Flyover

CONSTRUCTION of TAZARA flyover is expected to start in May, this year, following recent signing of a deal with the government of Japan to access a grant of over 26.3bn/- for the project.

This was said in the National Assembly on Wednesday by the Minister for Works, Dr John Magufuli, when responding to a supplementary question by Ms Rita Mlaki (Special Seats - CCM), who sought to know the government’s resolve to decongest Dar es Salaam city.

“Last week, the government signed an Exchange of Notes with the government of Japan to access a grant of over 26.3bn/- for the improvement of the third phase of the TAZARA intersection,” he said, adding that the additional grant brings total amount for the project to 76bn/-.

Dr Magufuli said that the funds under the Exchange of Notes and related grant agreement will serve as additional support for successful construction of the TAZARA flyover, after the 5.64bn/- that was secured in July 2014 and 52.55bn/- in June 2013.

He said that the funds will enable the Japanese government make available the funds for procurement of goods and services for the implementation of the project.

Magufuli insisted that this assistance will contribute much to the improvement of road infrastructure necessary in reducing congestion, especially during peak hours.

The specific aim of the project, Magufuli said, is to improve road transport sector in Dar es Salaam and that the project intends to reduce transportation costs within and outside the city.

He further said that the government was committed to construct ring roads in the city and another flyover will soon be built at the Ubungo junction.

Earlier in her basic question, Ms Mariam Nassoro Kisangi (Special Seats - CCM), demanded to know the government resolve to develop ambitious Kigamboni City project.

She also wanted to know if the government was ready to build a modern airport that will complement a new city. Responding, Deputy Minister for Transport, Dr Charles Tizeba, reiterated the government’s commitment to develop Kigamboni City, under the Kigamboni City Development Authority.

However, he said Kigamboni City was within Dar es Salaam city, which is served by Julius Nyerere International Airport (JNIA).

Dr Tizeba said JNIA is capable of handling 30 aircraft per hour after the completion of the second phase of expansion and renovation of infrastructure at the airport, which was carried out between 2008 to 2011. However, Dr Tizeba said JNIA is currently handling only eight aircrafts per hour which is below its capacity.