Geza Ulole
JF-Expert Member
- Oct 31, 2009
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TAZARA ahead of schedule
SGR ahead of schedule
Bagamoyo in July new agreement is signed
April 13, 2018
The deputy Minister for Works, Elias Kwandikwa, has told The Guardian in an exclusive interview that the project contractors are now working on the idea of expanding ring roads in the area through which to channel traffic while the interchange construction continues.
According to Kwandikwa, another problem has been the relocation of infrastructure like gas pipes from the former Tanzania Electric Supply Company (TANESCO) headquarters premises situated close to the project site.
The contractors have pointed out that the project contract signed with the government does not clearly stipulate in itself how to deal with all these issues, the deputy minister explained.
“Implementing such a huge project at a place like Ubungo calls for various adjustments to be conducted, and that is what is happening now. The aim is to make sure that the project does not disturb everyday business in the city,” he said.
The expanded ring roads will be used by, among others, upcountry passenger buses travelling to and from the city in a bid to minimize pressure on Ubungo, he added.
“For example, traffic from the Mbezi suburb will have to use the Goba road, as well as other feeder roads, to enter and exit the central business district (CBD),” he stated.
The 177.4 billion/-, three-storey Ubungo interchange project is being funded on a World Bank loan and implemented by the China Civil Engineering Construction Cooperation (CCECC).
Situated at the junction of Morogoro Road, Sam Nujoma Road, and the Nelson Mandela Expressway, Ubungo is one of the busiest intersections countrywide, with more than 65,000 vehicles passing through on a daily basis. This includes an average of 500 to 600 upcountry and transnational passenger buses entering or exiting the city via its main gateway.
Once completed, the interchange is expected to significantly ease traffic congestion all-round and minimise – of not end altogether - endemic traffic jams at the Ubungo junction especially during rush hours.
As a demonstration of its commitment towards the project, the government sanctioned the demolition of buildings housing the headquarters of two key state institutions - TANESCO and the Ministry of Water and Irrigation - and their relocations elsewhere after it was confirmed that they were sitting within the Morogoro Road reserve boundary.
More than 1,300 residential houses, public buildings and houses of prayer along Morogoro Road were also last year demolished by TANROADS to pave the way for the project and further expansion of the road.
When laying the foundation stone for the interchange project in March last year, President Magufuli challenged the contractor to complete the job within 20 months instead of the scheduled 30, saying the money was already available and there was thus no need for any unnecessary delays.
He said he saw no reason why the project time couldn't be shortened when it can be carried out day and night.
The launch function was also attended by World Bank Group president Dr Jim Yong Kim, who was on an official visit to the country.
The latest project stalling has led to growing speculation that the World Bank may have decided to withdraw its funding after alleged human rights violations by the government during the demolition process of houses along Morogoro Road.
This, however, has been denied by the World Bank.
