Tanzania to receive road infrastructure support

8 December 2009

The African Development Bank (AfDB) has approved a loan of $245 million (£150 million) to improve the conditions of two important stretches of road - the Iringa-Dodoma axis and the highway between Namtumbo and Tunduru.

On a regional level, these networks are of prime importance as the former provides a link to the North-South Corridor, the South African Development Community's network and the Trans-Africa Highway.

Part of the investment will also centre on funding the restructuring of the Ministry of Communications and Transport and the reinforcement of the Tanzania National Roads Agency's management capacity.

Mitigation efforts relating to HIV/AIDS, sexually transmitted infections and tuberculosis are also included in the package.

The AfDB said: "The project will support the country's economic and social development programmes through efficient and cost-effective movement of people and goods ... with a view to reducing poverty."

Last month, the investing body approved $8.15 million worth of loans and grants towards a regional Railway Project Study in Tanzania, Rwanda and Burundi, which included an analysis of the project's socioeconomic benefits.

Category: Transport