Tanzania infrastructure: Road construction updates and fuel station permit controversies

Tanzanian Construction Minister Masanja Kadogosa has provided updates on the 73-kilometer Kahama–Bulyanhulu Junction–Kakola road project. Following discussions with residents in Msalala, Shinyanga, the Minister instructed contractors to ensure completion by the scheduled deadline of December 2026. He emphasized that the government will take action against contractors who fail to meet contractual obligations. Additionally, the government plans to construct a 68-kilometer bitumen road from Bulyanhulu to the Mtakuja Junction to improve connectivity between Shinyanga and Geita.

Separately, concerns have been raised regarding the construction of fuel stations within the Morogoro Road reserve. The Energy and Water Utilities Regulatory Authority (EWURA) and the National Environment Management Council (NEMC) acknowledged issuing permits for investors in these areas. Critics and local residents have questioned the lack of public consultation and potential violations of safety regulations, specifically regarding the minimum required distance of 200 meters between stations. In the Temboni area, three stations are reportedly being built in close proximity, raising safety concerns regarding potential fire hazards.