In a significant development, the construction of the Kalambo Bridge over the Kalambo River has reached an impressive 70 percent completion, according to the Acting Tanzania National Roads Agency (TanRoads), Eng Rukwa Regional Manager William Lameck. The bridge, a vital infrastructure project, is poised to enhance the seamless movement of people and goods, fostering economic development in the region.
Eng Lameck expressed confidence that the project is on track for completion by the middle of this month. The newly constructed Kasitu-Nondo-Kawala Road, connected to the bridge, is expected to play a pivotal role in facilitating the movement of people and goods while attracting more tourists to the renowned Kalambo Falls.
"The completion of the bridge will accelerate the development of the region as it establishes a crucial link with neighboring Zambia," Eng Lameck remarked.
The Kasitu-Nondo-Kawala Road, spanning 107 kilometers from Sumbawanga Town to Kasanga Port Road on Lake Tanganyika, is anticipated to stimulate cross-border trade with Zambia. Additionally, the road is intricately connected to the Sumbawanga-Matai-Kasanga port road, forming an essential part of the broader Tunduma-Sumbawanga-Mpanda Highway network.
Noteworthy is the fact that the Kalambo Bridge, measuring an impressive 80 meters in length, with a width of 10.5 meters and a depth of 7 meters, is set to become the longest bridge in the Rukwa Region.
The construction project, executed by M/s Jonita Investment and Mats Engineering JV, comes with a total cost of 4.763 billion Tanzanian Shillings. Moreover, M/s Edge Engineering and Consulting Ltd, acting as consultants, have signed a one-year contract valued at 379.27 million Tanzanian Shillings.
Despite the commendable progress, Eng Lameck highlighted one of the challenges faced by the project—the impact of seasonal rains, which have temporarily increased water levels, slowing down construction work.
Kalambo District Commissioner Mr. Lazaro Komba emphasized the bridge's strategic importance, serving as a crucial link between Kalambo District and the neighboring country of Zambia. He urged residents to collaborate with the contractors, emphasizing the need to ensure the safety of construction materials to facilitate the timely completion of the project. The completion of the Kalambo Bridge is anticipated to bring about significant improvements in regional connectivity, economic development, and cross-border trade.