Morogoro, Tanzania; Friday, 04 May 2018: Today, President of the United Republic of Tanzania (URT), H.E. Dr. John Pombe Joseph Magufuli together with the Head of Delegation of the European Union to Tanzania and the EAC, H.E. Ambassador Roeland van de Geer and the Head of Office of the UK Department for International Development, Ms. Beth Arthy laid the foundation stone for the upgrade of the Kidatu – Ifakara road in Kilombero District. The road will be upgraded to bitumen standard. This 130 billion Tanzanian Shillings project is jointly funded by UK, the European Union (EU) and USAID.  

This upgrading of the 67 km section of road and of the Great Ruaha Bridge supports the Government’s Southern Agriculture Growth Corridor in Tanzania (SAGCOT) initiative and will significantly improve access to markets for farmers in the Kilombero valley and stimulate greater investment in agriculture and agro-processing. 

During the ceremony, the Head of Delegation of the European Union to Tanzania and the EAC, H.E. Ambassador Roeland van de Geer said: "the EU, UK and USAID confirms its full joint support for this important road project, and commend the Government of Tanzania in its ambition to improve access to market for agricultural products, through improvement of rural roads and their maintenance and through the development and efficient management of multimodal regional corridors".

Agriculture is critical for Tanzania’s economic growth and poverty reduction.  Over 70 percent of Tanzanians earn their livelihoods from the sector, and there is significant scope to increase productivity, incomes and job creation, particularly for women.

The Head of Office of UK Department for International Development Ms. Beth Arthy said: “The UK Government is pleased to be partnering with the Tanzanian Government in the SAGCOT initiative.  Agriculture can play an even bigger role in boosting Tanzania’s prosperity and food security. Upgrading the road will encourage further investment, reduce transport costs for farmers and households, and result in even more visitors wanting to explore the beauty of this region.”

Construction works will start immediately after the rainy season and upon completion the tarmac road will link Ifakara district and the Kilombero cluster to the National Roads and to the Port of Dar es Salaam.