Flyover construction starts December

Minister for Works, Transport and Communication, Prof Makame Mbarawa

THE Minister for Works, Transport and Communication, Prof Makame Mbarawa, has said that plans are underway to construct the first seven flyovers in Dar es Salaam to ease traffic congestion.

Speaking in the city yesterday, Prof Mbarawa said that the government is in discussion with the Mabe Bridge Company of England, who will build the flyovers. He said that if all goes well, the construction of the flyovers will start in December, this year.

He noted that the company will construct four flyovers for pedestrians and three for motor vehicles. “The construction of the flyovers is expected to take three to six months,” he said, adding that the government will finance the construction of the flyovers.

The minister noted that experts are trying toidentify the most suitable areas to construct the seven flyovers. “Mwenge area is one of the places that have already been selected and will have motor vehicle flyovers,” he noted.

In another development, the minister asked the management of Nyerere Bridge to set up a six-month pass card for users of the bridge to ease congestion at the gate during rush hours.

“Make sure (Nyerere Bridge Management) that you set up a six-month pass card that would enable users of the bridge access to easy services,” he said. He also expressed the need for the Executive Officer of Bridge, Mr Gerald Sondo, to come up with a better system that would see smoother levy collection at the bridge.

“All motor vehicles, including those belonging to government, should pay the levies - except those with special government permits such as Tanzania Army, Fire Brigade, Police Force and ambulances,” he insisted.