The Tanzania National Roads Agency (TANROADS) is continuing with the construction of the Jangwani Bridge, which is expected to completely transform the landscape of Dar es Salaam City. It will rise approximately eight (8) meters above the current road level, completely mitigating the frequent flooding challenges caused by the Msimbazi River.
Speaking about the project’s progress, Project Manager, Engineer Leonard Ngayungi, stated that the bridge is part of the Msimbazi Valley Development Program, which is being implemented through five components, one of which is the construction of robust infrastructure to withstand floods. According to Engineer Ngayungi, the entire project area is 1.2 kilometers long, with the bridge itself being 390 meters long and 41 meters wide, while the remaining section consists of approach roads.
The project also includes infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists, as well as the construction of a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) station, which will serve passengers in the area. This area is expected to feature a City Park, sports fields, large business complexes, markets, and other developments that will be undertaken through the project.
He explained that the contractor began by relocating electricity, water, and communication infrastructure, alongside the construction of a diversion road to ensure that vehicles continue to pass while construction is underway.
Currently, the major work in progress is the construction of bridge foundations (piles and pile caps), main pillars (piers), and the preparation of the upper area for users (deck). This bridge will have a total of approximately 496 foundation piles, ranging from 35 to 42 meters deep underground, depending on soil assessment; 404 piles have already been completed.
“The completion of the foundation piles will be followed by the construction of pile caps, then the main pillars (piers), and later the upper area with beams and deck, which will be connected to the approach roads, ready for vehicles and other users,” Engineer Ngayungi technically explained.
In addition to flood control, the Jangwani area is expected to become a new social and economic hub, including sports fields, recreational areas, as well as commercial and residential developments. This step will restore the area’s status as an important center for gatherings and social activities, as it once was.
Engineer Ngayungi thanked the government for facilitating the implementation of the project, emphasizing that the bridge will end the hardship of road communication disruption during the rainy season, protect the lives and property of citizens, and provide a safe and friendly route for pedestrians and cyclists.
“Previously, this area was dangerous for road users due to floods that interrupted communication for several hours, causing property damage and endangering lives. This project is a permanent solution to that challenge,” he stressed.
The Msimbazi Valley Development Project is being implemented by the government with soft loans from the World Bank (200 million USD) and the Spanish Government (30 million USD), along with funding from the Dutch Government (30 million USD). It is being carried out by the Ministry of Works through TANROADS, which is responsible for the construction of the Jangwani Bridge, together with the Prime Minister’s Office, Regional Administration and Local Government (TAMISEMI), through TARURA, which is responsible for the overall development of the Msimbazi Valley area (lower and upper plains) in collaboration with the Dar es Salaam City Council.
