The assurance was made by the Deputy Minister of Works, Transport and Communication, Eng Edwin Ngonyani when responding to questions raised by legislators.

 

A basic question by Kiteto Koshuma (Special Seats-CCM), queried what plans the government had to increase tarmac roads in Mwanza Region, which she said had only 43.67km laid with tarmac out of 546.1km.

 

Eng Ngonyani reiterated government's commitment to build roads to tarmac level and improve all roads network across the country.

 

"The government has been improving roads in Mwanza city on phases depending on the availability of funds," he said, adding that during the next financial year, a total of 1.16bn/-has been allocated to construct a 1.4 tarmac road along the Nyakato-Buswelu-Mhonze road.

 

He said plans are also underway to construct a 9.7km Sabasaba-Kiseke-Buswelu road to tarmac level as promised by President John Magufuli. "The government is also expanding the Airport road up to Pasiansi and will build the Furahisha Bridge, a move that is aimed at reducing congestion in Mwanza City," Eng Ngonyani said.

 

Meanwhile, the Deputy Minister said a sum of 1.2bn/- has been allocated to purchase a ferry that will operate between Lindi town and Kitunda village. He was responding to a question by Hamida Abdallah (Special Seats-CCM), who lamented over lack of proper transport from rural areas to Lindi town.

 

The MP said rural dwellers were using small canoes from Katumbikwela ward to Lindi town, thus, endangering their lives.

 

In his reply, the Deputy Minister said the government has already allocated fund to buy a new ferry for Lindi residents as well for laying a dock. Eng Ngonyani also revealed that the government has finalised the process of obtaining a consultant who would conduct feasibility study and designing of the Kitai- Lituhi road, which will be constructed to tarmac level.

 

The Deputy Minister also informed the parliament that the construction of Mbinga-Mbamba Bay will commence this finacial year.

 

He was responding to Mbinga Rural legislator, Martin Msuha, (CCM), who claimed that despite a pledge by the fourth phase government to construct the Kitai-Lituhi road in Nyasa District to tarmac level, the wananchi were in dark if there were plans in place to construct it.

Source : allafrica.com