KAHAMA: The Minister for Works, Masanja Kadogosa, has directed the contractor building the Kahama–Bulyanhulu Junction–Kakola road to accelerate construction and meet the contractual completion deadline.
The 73-kilometre road project, being implemented by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), has reached 90 per cent completion and is expected to improve transport connectivity while unlocking economic opportunities in mining, agriculture, forestry and tourism.
The project is fully funded by Barrick’s mining operations in Tanzania, conducted in partnership with the government through Twiga Minerals at the Bulyanhulu and North Mara mines.
Speaking after inspecting the project, Mr Kadogosa stressed the need for the contractor to intensify efforts to ensure the road is completed within the agreed timeframe.
He said the road would ease transport challenges for residents, facilitate the movement of goods and services, expand business opportunities and stimulate economic growth in the surrounding communities.
The minister emphasised that the contractor must fulfil its contractual obligations by December 7, 2026, warning that failure to meet the deadline could attract stern government action.
He said possible measures included a penalty equivalent to 0.1 per cent of the contract value and revocation of the company’s authorisation to undertake similar projects in the country.
Providing an update, Shinyanga Regional Manager of the Tanzania National Roads Agency (TANROADS), Engineer Ntuli Mwaikokesya, said the project was estimated to cost 100.6 billion shillings.
He explained that the road was initially scheduled for completion in September 2026, but implementation challenges had prompted the contractor to request an extension of time.
So far, 32 kilometres of the 73-kilometre road have been paved, while construction continues on the remaining sections.
The project, which commenced in July 2024, is being implemented under TANROADS’ supervision.
Msalala Constituency Member of Parliament, Mabula Magangila, said residents had long awaited the road, expressing confidence that its completion would boost economic activities and improve livelihoods in the area.
Engineer Ibrahim Paul, representing Barrick, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to the project, supporting the minister’s call for the contractor to complete the works on schedule.
He said funds had been made available as required to facilitate payments, adding that Barrick wanted its investment in community development to deliver tangible benefits to residents.
For his part, CCECC representative Engineer Wang Lei pledged to intensify construction activities and deploy additional efforts, including working around the clock where necessary, to complete the project within the agreed timeframe.
Once completed, the road is expected to strengthen economic links across Shinyanga, Geita, Tabora, Kagera and Kigoma regions, opening up opportunities in key productive sectors.
The road is also strategically important to Kahama Municipality, a major cargo transport hub connecting Tanzania’s principal seaport with landlocked neighbouring countries, including Rwanda and Uganda.
Barrick’s support for the project reflects its long-term commitment to responsible mining and community development, recognising that the prosperity of communities in areas where it operates is closely linked to the sustainability of its business.
The road investment forms part of broader efforts to ensure that mining activities generate lasting benefits beyond mineral production, particularly through infrastructure development, improved mobility and expanded economic opportunities for local communities.
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