Tanzania and Burundi are to receive some $322 million from the African Development Bank to improve road infrastructure in their respective countries.
The projects aim at strengthening regional integration and trade in the East African Community, particularly between Tanzania and Burundi.
This will be delivered through improved cross-border transport and is part of the East African roads network linking the Port of Dar es Salaam to the regional markets in Tanzania, Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The project which will be completed in 2023 comprises several phases, including the upgrading from gravel to bitumen standard of Kabingo-Kasulu-Manyovu (260 km) road section in Tanzania and rehabilitation of Rumonge – Gitaza (45 km) paved road section in Burundi.
It also involves the construction and operationalization of a “One Stop Border Post” between Tanzania and Burundi at Manyovu/Mugina Border; Rural/Urban Roads rehabilitation, Health Centres and School constructions.
The rest are Community Water Sources, and road safety, institutional support and capacity building of actors involved, including compensation and resettlement of people affected by the project.
The project is in line with the National Development Plans of both Burundi and Tanzania, particularly the respective sectoral policies on transport in both countries.
When completed, this multinational road will help open up rural areas, reduce vehicle operating costs, and enhance road safety.
In addition, it will improve access to socio-economic and health infrastructure located along roads, particularly in Burundi’s Rumonge province Tanzania’s Kigoma region.
Source: Africafeeds.com
