PRESIDENT Jakaya Kikwete unveils a plaque to inaugurate the construction work of Kilombero Bridge in Ifakara area. The Bridge links Ulanga and Kilombero districts in Morogoro Region. To his left is Minister for Works Dr John Magufuli, Minister in the President's Office-Civil Service Management, Ms Celina Kombani and Ulanga MP, Dr Haji Mponda. (File photo)
THE days of long queues of vehicles waiting to cross the Kilombero River by ferry in Morogoro Region are now most definitely numbered, as construction of the Kilombero Bridge has begun.
The inauguration of the much anticipated bridge project comes as consolation to not only residents in the productive districts of Ulanga and Kilombero but also to investors with projects across the river.
The recent visit (August 20, 2014) to the bridge site by President Jakaya Kikwete, who officially laid the foundation stone for the construction of the 384-metre Kilombero Bridge was received with much enthusiasm.
Finally the resolve to address the frustrating transport hardships have become a reality. Juma Shaban (54) from Ulanga District is among the many excited farmers looking forward to timely implementation of the project. He says despite being a hard worker for decades, farming has never earned him any significant income due to lack of reliable communication.
"Most of us (farmers) are compelled to sell crops at giveaway prices. Traders always come late and each time complained about the cumbersome delays at the river.
Construction of Kilombero Bridge will make a huge difference. We will be able to demand fair prices for our crops as the anticipated increased number of traders will encourage competition,"
Shaban explained. Suppliers of fuel (petrol, diesel and kerosene) were equally optimistic. Abdulkarim Hamis (48) owns a filling station in Mehenge Township which is the district headquarters.
"The arrival by the president and the inauguration of the construction work of the bridge is a memorable event which will go down on record. It is liberation for all of us.
We used to wait up to three days sometimes when the ferry was out of order. This was very bad for business. The bridge serves as key to development in all aspects. We are very happy about this," said Hamis. For the past 3 years an Australian listed, Kibaran Resources Limited has been exploring for graphite in Epanko, Mahenge.
Kibaran as real plans to fast track the project and build a mine. Kibaran Resources Limited's Executive Director for Projects, Grant Pierce said, "Completion of the Kilombero River Bridge will have a positive impact on the Epanko graphite project feasibility, improving logistics for transportation of goods and services to the project and ultimately final product to the port of Dar es Salaam.
In terms of the rural electrification project including the extension of the line to Epanko, currently being planned by the Rural Electrification Agency and SWECO, access to grid power will minimise our reliance on self-generation and reduce operating costs.
In addition, under voltage problems will be removed and continuity of power supply will minimise disruption to the flotation process, a requirement for good metallurgical recovery. The arrival of grid power to Epanko should also provide an opportunity for SME's to be established in the community, boosting the local economy and raising the standard of living within the community.
It will potentially bring improved educational resources to the rural schools which would be a fabulous outcome as well". The Director of Technical Services from the Rural Energy Agency (REA), Mr Bengiel Msofe commented that consumers in the area will receive reliable power as the project planning is progressing well.
"Mahenge Township receives electricity from Kidatu power station. Installation of a new sub-station in Ifakara will give further assurance to power consumers. Apart from domestic users there are also largescale consumers. These include saw millers, grinding machine operators among others," Msofe explained.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Kilombero Valley Teak Company, Mr Hans Lemm expressed delight for the new Kilombero bridge construction project saying that it would open up the full potential of their business and reduce costs of operation significantly.
"At long last we will be able to transport our products and raw materials year round reliably and ensure our customers that supply will be uninterrupted. Access to health facilities in Ifakara and options for staff to commute to their families in Ifakara on a daily basis will improve the quality of life for our employees," Lemm observed.
The bridge will not only benefit the company and its employees, he added but will also benefit the surrounding communities where the company has an active out-grower support programme. Again the newly proposed upgrade of the grid (electricity) between Ifakara, Lupiro and Idete is another confidence booster for investment.
"For many years poor power supply in the area has been a distressing logistical challenge. On average we only have power around 80% of the time however during the rainy season this can be as low as 65%. Running an operation like ours on diesel generators is costly," he observed.
On his part Ulanga District Commissioner (DC) Mr Francis Miti envisages a significant boost for rice production with the construction of the Kilombero Bridge.
"The district has a huge rice production potential which is overly underutilised. Currently trucks above 40 tons cannot reach farmers, as a result only vehicles not exceeding 20 tons arrive at crop collection centres and in some cases dictate prices to desperate farmers.
Farmers remain at their mercy. Construction of the bridge will put an end to this practice and bring much needed completion and, the bridge will make a big difference to the rice business," Miti explained During the rainy season, Miti added, the rough road became treacherous. But construction of the bridge across Kilombero River would also allow for improvement of the road to tarmac level.
"The 56bn/- bridge paves the way to realisation of our economic dreams. Our district is endowed with natural resources such as minerals, forests and historical caves of cultural importance. These too form the list of investment opportunities whereby with a completed bridge, accessibility is guaranteed to financiers.
There are 365,548 people in the district," DC Miti clarified. However, the DC does not play down the related security complications but insisted that the necessary arrangements by the District Security and Defence Committee were in place and communication with regional and national authorities was sustained.
"Let me caution ill-intentioned visitors that as the district prepares for an economic leap after completion of the project (bridge) security organs are on high alert to ensure safety and security for all the district .Tourism industry is bound to grow as well and safety is assured to visitors," the DC concluded.
A stable power source and improved infrastructure, through a bridge that links Ulanga and Kilombero districts are two major factors that will unlock the enormous economic potential for both industry and tourism. Many are watching this space knowing that conditions are ripe for business and investment in the area.
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