Kalambo Bridge to facilitate movement of tourists

Peti Siyame

RUKWA: THE construction of the Kalambo Bridge in Kalambo River which is expected to

facilitate movement of people and goods has reached 70 per cent.

The Acting Tanzania National Roads Agency (TanRoads), Eng Rukwa Regional Manager William Lameck said the project is expected to be completed middle of this month and the Kasitu- NondoKawala Road will facilitate the movement of people and goods as well as attract more tourists visiting Kalambo Falls.

“The completion of the bridge will speed up development of the people as it will link neighbouring Zambia,” he said.

The Kasitu-Nondo-Kawala Road links 107 kilometres from Sumbawanga Town to Kasanga port road on Lake Tanganyika will stimulate cross-border trade with Zambia.

Also, the Sumbawanga- Matai-Kasanga port road is linked with the Tunduma- Sumbawanga – Mpanda Highway. Eng Lameck said the 80-meter Length Bridge with 10.5 meters width and 7 meters depth will be the longest in the Rukwa Region.

He said the contractors M/s Jonita Investment and Mats Engineering JV are implementing the project at the cost of 4.763bn/-.

Equally, Consultant, M/s Edge Engineering and Consulting Ltd signed a one-year contract valued at 379.27m/-.

He cited one of the challenges facing the project is the seasonal rains that had increased the level of water thus slowing work.

Kalambo District Commissioner Mr Lazaro Komba said the bridge will provide a significant link between Kalambo District and the neighbouring country of Zambia.

He also urged Kalambo residents to cooperate with the contractors and ensure the safety of construction materials so that the project can be completed within the agreed time.