By Staff Reporter, Ruvuma; – In a strategic move to address the persistent traffic congestion plaguing Songea Town, the government has announced a comprehensive infrastructure development plan that will transform the region’s transportation landscape.

Speaking to the residents of Peramiho during President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s visit, the Minister for Works, Innocent Bashungwa, revealed the government’s commitment to constructing a 16-kilometer Songea Bypass road. This critical project, set to commence by October 2024, will be undertaken alongside the construction of a 100-kilometer stretch of road connecting Songea and Njombe regions.

“Your Excellency, Dr. Samia, your directive is that by October 2024, the Ministry should have signed the contract with the contractor for the construction of the 16-kilometer road to remove the problem and queues in Songea Town, as well as the 100 kilometers towards Njombe Region,” emphasized Bashungwa.

The minister further disclosed that by the same timeframe, the government will also sign the contract to initiate the construction of the 60-kilometer Lukuyufusi-Lipapasi-Mkenda road, which will be upgraded to a tarmac standard. This strategic move will enhance connectivity between Ruvuma Region and the neighboring country of Mozambique.

“The Government is going to build the Lukuyufusi-Mkenda road, which you have been demanding for a long time, and now President Dr. Samia is going to build it to tarmac standard,” Bashungwa emphasized.

In addition to the ambitious road projects, the Ministry of Works is also in the process of securing a contractor to commence the construction of the 80-meter Mitomoni Bridge, which will connect Songea Rural District and Nyasa District, further improving accessibility within the region.

These transformative infrastructure developments are set to revolutionize transportation in Songea and the surrounding areas, alleviating the long-standing challenge of truck traffic congestion in the town’s center.