(Same) – Communication along the Same-Mkomazi highway has been restored following the completion of the Mpirani Bridge, which had been damaged due to floods earlier this month. The bridge, located in the Maore ward, broke down on January 2, 2025, after the supporting pillars were affected by heavy rains.
The collapse of the bridge led to significant disruptions in transportation and logistics, particularly for residents living in the Upare mountain range. This created challenges for both local commuters and businesses relying on the road to transport goods.
On January 4, 2025, the Minister for Works, Abdallah Ulega, visited the Same district to inspect the repair work. He instructed the Tanzania Roads Agency (Tanroads) to complete the bridge’s reconstruction within three days. True to his directive, the bridge was completed and opened for use on the evening of January 10.
According to Motta Kyando, the Tanroads Manager for Kilimanjaro Region, the bridge is now 98% complete and is fully operational. “The bridge started operating on the evening of January 10. All road services have returned to normal, and vehicles are passing through as usual,” Kyando said, expressing gratitude to the government for its efforts to ensure that local residents could resume their daily activities without disruption.
Rashid Juma, the Maore ward councilor, also expressed his appreciation for the swift completion of the project. “The bridge opened on the evening of January 10, and vehicles have started passing. We thank the government and the engineers who worked tirelessly day and night to complete this task,” Juma remarked.
The completion of the bridge was met with gratitude from local residents. Salim Kayanda, a resident of Mpirani village, highlighted the significance of the bridge for the local farming community, particularly those involved in ginger farming. “The bridge was initially functioning well, but it faced challenges with the floods. We’re grateful that the minister came here, gave clear instructions, and now the bridge is operational,” Kayanda said.
The bridge is especially vital for transporting ginger and bananas, key agricultural products in the region. With the road now open, farmers can resume the transport of their goods more efficiently.
Anastazia Mwita, another local resident, expressed her satisfaction with the new bridge, noting its superior quality compared to the previous structure. “The Mpirani bridge is now finished, and it is of better quality than the old one. We are grateful for the efforts to restore communication on this road,” Mwita said.
