EMERGENCY FUNDS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF BRIDGES IN ULANGA DISTRICT

Minister of State, Office of the President-TAMISEMI Hon. Mohamed Mchengerwa has instructed the Secretary General to provide TARURA with 250 million shillings in emergency funds for the construction of a temporary Mbuga bridge in the Luhombero river as well as the repair of the Chigandugandu pedestrian bridge in Ulanga district, which was damaged due to floods.

Speaking to the people of Mwaya and Mbuga counties, who currently have no communication and have to use a canoe pulled by a rope, Minister Mchengerwa stated that the temporary bridge does not protect the people from the ordeal they are facing.

“My brothers, let’s first get a temporary bridge that will enable the citizens to pass by themselves and pass their crops in this harvest season. We cannot achieve our goals like this bad bridge.”

During his three-day visit to the districts affected by floods in the Morogoro region, Minister Mchengerwa observed significant infrastructure damage in numerous areas. He instructed the Secretary General to provide TARURA with 250 million Tanzanian shillings. He also directed TARURA to commence the emergency process of constructing the bridge and to complete it within one and a half months.

Furthermore, Minister Mchengerwa encouraged the populace to persevere in their endeavours, including agricultural pursuits, as the President continues to demonstrate her commitment to her constituents and to the Ulanga region, particularly in terms of infrastructure.

“The funds we bring here are the people’s funds, which are allocated to us by the President. The foundation of the government is the people.”

Furthermore, the government, led by President Samia Suluhu Hassan, will continue to prioritize the welfare of the impoverished, as well as the residents of Mbuga and Mwaya. The emergency funds will be utilised to address the economic challenges facing these communities.

“The president is concerned with the welfare of the impoverished and his constituents. Consequently, he has allocated these funds to his people, particularly those engaged in production and strategic activities, in order to ensure that they continue to receive essential services and that farmers of food crops and businesses can continue their operations.”

Furthermore, the Morogoro Regional Commissioner, Hon. Adam Malima, has asserted that the bridge is economically beneficial, as it facilitates the transportation of crops, which were previously transported via canoe.

He has indicated that it is beneficial to commence the construction of temporary bridges in his region, enabling the citizens and their property to cross while awaiting the completion of a permanent bridge.

In a previous statement, the Member of Parliament for Ulanga, Hon. Salim Hasham, asserted that the Mbuga ward is home to a significant population and is a leading producer of cotton and sesame, which makes Mahenge a commercial crop.

He asserted that, despite the challenges facing Ulanga, the issue of the bridge is more pressing. He expressed gratitude to the Minister for visiting the area, where residents of Mwaya and Mbuga county were experiencing difficulties in accessing healthcare, particularly for those requiring medical attention.

At the same time, Mbuga Ward Councilor Hon. Said Mfaume has stated that the bridge will be beneficial to the people of his ward, as the ward produces 75% of the commercial crops and food consumed in the area. Furthermore, residents of the ward also have access to health services on the other side of Mwaya ward.

Tanzania Media