Ubungo flyover road construction launched

President John Magufuli and World Bank President, Dr Jim Yong Kim, have laid a foundation stone for construction of Ubungo Interchange which will cost Sh188.71 billion. 

Dar es Salaam. President John Magufuli and World Bank President, Dr Jim Yong Kim, have laid a foundation stone for construction of Ubungo Interchange which will cost Sh188.71 billion.

Speaking earlier, President Magufuli noted that that the project was part of his government resolve to carry out projects which address problems facing Tanzanians.

He noted that the construction of the interchange will tremendously reduce time motorists spent on Morogoro, Mandela and San Nujoma Roads. The three roads are notorious for traffic jam.

He said a six lane road project from Dar es Salaam to Chalinze was still on the cards to further ensure that transportation woes from the commercial city became a thing of the past.

Dr Kim said World Bank will continue to work together with Tanzania to advance development of its people. The World Bank boss said he was satisfied by efforts taken by Tanzania to shape up its economy.

World Bank has made available, through a loan, the funds to finance the project. It had also extended a loan to the government which facilitated the construction of the first phase of the Dar es Salaam Rapid Bus Transit (Dart).

Transport minister Prof Makame Mbarawa noted that the Ubungo junction had proved to be a big problem for the smooth operation of Dart.

He said of the project amount, Sh177.43 billion will be used for construction, Sh9 billion for design and consultancy and about Sh1.8 billion for compensation to those who will be evicted.

He promised that his ministry will closely follow up the work to ensure that it is completed within the agreed timeframe and to acceptable standards.

He asked the contractor to employ locals so that they can benefit from the project.