Launching the construction of the 680 metre-long bridge, President Kikwete said this bridge will spur development on the other side of Dar es Salaam, focusing tourism in the south coast of the city.He said Kigamboni area has been prominent for its tourism,
being endowed with pristine beaches and ample land for hotel and accommodation facility development.
Dr Kikwete further said the bridge will help residents in Kigamboni to get quick access services to the Dar es Salaam market sources to sell their farm produce, including fruits and other foods.
On the other side, the bridge will help ease traffic jams and road congestion currently facing the city.
Briefing the President, the TANROADS Chief Executive Eng. Patrick Mfugale said the bridge is being constructed through Public Private Partnership (PPP) venture format, whereby the Government of Tanzania is financing 40 percent of the project and NSSF is financing 60 percent of the project. Motorists will be charged a road toll bridge fee when crossing the sea through the bridge however there will be no charges for pedestrians and cyclist. As per the contract the project is expected to be completed January 2015.
The Minister of Works Hon. John Magufuli (MP) said in his speech that the bridge will be of 680 meters and will have 6 lanes; 3 lanes to Dar es Salaam to Kigamboni and 3 lanes from Kigamboni to Dar es Salaam. Furthermore the Kigamboni bridge construction project will include contruction of approaching roads of 1.5 kilometers on Kigamboni side and 1 kilomete on the Kurasini area side and will also include construction of pedestrian lane and cyclist lane. He added the construction of the bridge will cost 214.6 billion and is expected to be completed 36 months starting 1 February 2012.
Dr. John Magufuli further said that though the construction of the Kigamboni Bridge will foster communication and transportation between areas but also it will create employment opportunities to Tanzanians through formal sector and informal sector.
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