World Bank funds Tanzanian highways project

Date: 6/8/2013

The World Bank (IDA) International Development Association has announced plans to provide $210 million (£136.9 million) of funding for the improvement of infrastructure in Tanzania.

Most of the capital will go towards the upgrading of the 140 kilometre highway between Mafinga and Igawa in the regions of Iringa and Mbeya as part of the Southern African Trade and Transport Facilitation Project.

The Tanzanian Minister for Finance, Dr William Mgimwa, said the funds will also be used to improve the road network near the country's border, in a bid to aid trade between Tanzania and neighbouring nations.

"We are in need of developing our infrastructures to facilitate the movements of goods and people along the North-South corridor to enable the nation become a dependable transport and logistics hub to our neighbouring countries," Dr Mgimwa explained.

It's hoped the development will strengthen trade links in east Africa and the Southern African Development Community.

Posted by Nick Anderson

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