On 17th October 2024, Tanzania and Japan signed a Yen¥ 4.07 billion (US$ 29 million, TZS 78 billion) Exchange of Notes (E/N) for the construction of the Dodoma City Inner Ring Road.
The signing took place in Dar es Salaam and involved the Ambassador of Japan to the United Republic of Tanzania, H.E. Mr. Misawa Yasushi, and the Permanent Secretary of Tanzania’s Ministry of Finance, Dr. Natu El-Maamry Mwamba.
The project will develop a 6.5 km road connecting Bahi and Makulu intersections via Kikuyu Road to ease congestion, improve safety, and divert heavy vehicles from the city center.
Dr. Mwamba explained that the project will involve the expansion of Dodoma Road from two lanes to four lanes starting from the Bahi Road Roundabout to Image, and the construction of a new four-lane road from the Image Road Roundabout to the Makulu Road Roundabout.
Positioned at a key intersection that connects routes leading into and out of the city, the roundabout serves as a crucial point for traffic, particularly for vehicles traveling towards Bahi District and other nearby areas
“The Urban Road Construction Project within Dodoma City aligns with the National Five-Year Development Plan (2021/22 – 2025/26), which aims to achieve competitiveness and industrialization for people’s development, focusing on increasing efficiency and productivity using existing resources,” explained Dr. Mwamba.
Dr. Mwamba noted that the agreements are a continuation of the strong cooperation between Tanzania and Japan, where Tanzania has benefited from Japan’s funding through grants and low-interest loans in various sectors, including agriculture, water, health, energy, transportation, urban development, effective management of public finances, and education.
On their part, Ambassador Yashushi, and the Resident Representative of JICA, Mr. Hitoshi Ara, stated that the project is vital for the country’s development, as Dodoma is a city located in a central corridor that is becoming increasingly important as a major economic route in East Africa.
The volume of heavy vehicles on the roads of Dodoma city has consistently increased annually resulting in escalating traffic congestion and a deterioration in quality of life, attributed to heightened levels of exhaust emissions, noise, and vibrations.
In response to this, the project aims to enhance traffic flow and improve living conditions in Dodoma by constructing a new inner ring road (approx. 3.1 km) and widening existing roads (approx. 3.4 km).
The project will also contribute to economic and social development by promoting inter-regional connections and facilitating logistics through improved transportation.
Tanzania and Japan Bilateral Relations
For many years, Japan has been providing support for the road sector throughout Tanzania.
Through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Japan provides aid in agriculture, fisheries, and infrastructure development, aiming to boost economic growth and reduce poverty in Tanzania.
Key initiatives include supporting rice production, agricultural irrigation, and promoting the KAIZEN concept which is an approach to creating continuous improvement based on small ongoing positive changes for private sector growth.
