BY THE ARUSHA NEWS REPORTER
TANROADS in Arusha has started clearing the reserve areas along the Arusha Bypass Road and adjoining routes to pave the way for major construction works.
The operation targets kiosks, roadside businesses, building material businesses, utility lines and other activities that have encroached on protected road reserves. The exercise is being carried out under road laws that prohibit unauthorised occupation of road reserves.
Officials said the exercise was meant to create space for contractors, improve road safety and reduce accidents caused by growing informal activities along busy roads.
The works are part of the wider Mbauda–Losinyai and Tanganyika Packers road project, which has been awarded to China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation.
The road package includes seven kilometres of four-lane road and 63 kilometres of two-lane road, forming part of the government’s wider plan to improve transport infrastructure in Arusha.
TANROADS says an initial payment of Sh 17.6 billion has already been made to the contractor, with preliminary works now underway.
TANROADS Arusha Maintenance Eng Christopher Sauli said the agency had begun removing obstacles after studies showed that increased activities along the bypass were contributing to road safety risks.
He said the affected areas included sections linking Arusha to the Kibaya–Kongwa road project, including the Mbauda–Losinyai stretch and the road commonly known as Moshono Corner–Losinyai.
The clearance comes as Arusha prepares for major infrastructure upgrades linked to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which Tanzania will co-host with Kenya and Uganda.
