 Roads in Tanzania |
Roads in any country are often likened to the blood vessels in a human body. This is precisely because roads are a very necessary ingredient in the development process of a nation.
The responsibility of developing an efficient and self- sustaining road network in Tanzania is vested with the Department of Roads (DR) of the Ministry of Works (MoW). And the main challenge facing the department is that of facilitating an effective social economical development in the country through safe and reliable road network.
The network in mind is that which should be capable of linking all national, regional, district centres as well as neighbouring countries.
| Classification of Roads |
Not all roads in Tanzania are of the same category. Found within the context of the integrated roads system in the country is a combination of engineered and non- -engineered roads, bitumen (tarmac) surfaced and gravel roads. All these roads are categorised or classified, one way or other. Some are sometimes classified as unclassified only.
Their classification is mainly done on the basis of their administrative and functional role the road is meant to play. The classification does also demarcate areas of responsibility for construction, put more especially for maintenance of the class of road under its jurisdiction. The following categories or classification s are distinguished:
 Trunk Roads |
These roads constitute the country's principal network. They provide international connections and join regional centres. They also cut through several regions of the country, making them national roads in character. Most of such roads are under the administrative control of the government through the Ministry of Works (MoW).
| Regional Roads |
These roads provide for transport along routes within the regions and do connect districts within the region, while some of them form part of the trunk roads and cross to the next regional centres. These are also under the care of the Central Government through the Ministry of Works (MoW)
| District Roads |
Such roads ply within a district connecting villages and townships and subsequently with the regional headquarters. These are under the jurisdiction of the District councils, and the therefore, the Prime Ministers office (PMO).
| Urban Roads |
These roads transverse within busy urban centres and connect various locations of the town or municipal or city wards. They are under the preserve of the respective town, municipal or city councils, and hence, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO).
| Feeder Roads |
These are minor roads most of which are unclassified. They are collector roads or even important tracks into the district roads. They connect one ward and another or sub-ward into the district or even one a trunk road. The main overseer of such roads is the village government or at times the District Council.
| PROJECTS |
| Potential roads and bridges for commercialisation in Tanzania |
Like other developed and developing countries Tanzania has recently opened the doors for the private sectors to participate and invest in the Roads sector under the BOT program. Several projects have been identified for BOT and some private investors have expressed interests in the same. The following projects have so far been identified;
| Potential Bridges and ferries |
This is a bridge to be located across the Indian Ocean at Kurasini area in the city of Dar es Salaam. The bridge spanning over a length of about 560 meters will connect the city centre with Kigamboni area currently accessible by ferry operations and about 56-kilometre ring road. In 1978, Finnconsult Oy, Consulting Engineers of Finland, submitted a design for a multispan concrete bridge across Kurasini Creek, incorporating an underpass and interchange to tie into the port Access Road (currently Nelson Mandela Road). Feasibility study and update of the design for H.P. Gauff Ingenieure carried out the bridge in 1991.
The bridge is to be located across the Malagarasi River to connect Tabora and Kigoma regions. Currently a railway line and a very long ring road connect the two regions. The design of the bridge crossing was prepared by M/S C.A Liburd and Associates Consulting Engineers of Nairobi Kenya in 1980. The crossing extends over approximately 180 metres and 5 minor bridges spanning over approximately 91 metres. However preparations are currently under way to update the designs.
The Kigoma - Busisi Ferry is located along Usagaraa- Biharamula Trunk road which forms part of the lake Circuit Corridor. Apart from serving local traffic within the Lake Victoria Area, the ferry serves a substantial part of the International traffic to and from land locked countries of the Great Lakes region.
| Makuyuni - Ngorongoro Road |
This road has a potential of tourist traffic to Lake Manyara National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and the Serengeti National Park. These areas served directly by the road are tourist attractions, which have been classified as the greatest natural areas of the world. Apart from tourist traffic, the link could be extended to open traffic between the East - West Corridor linking economical potential region of Mara, Mwanza, Kagera in the west and Arusha, Kilimanjaro and Tanga in the East.
In 1995, Consulting Company J.B.G. Gauff Ingenieure carried out feasibility study of Makuyuni - Ngorongoro road and included that the road section was technically and economically feasible. Preparations are currently underway to carry out detailed design of this section. Feasibility study carried out by M/S Norconsult International in 1996, aiming at completing the road is technically and economically feasible provided environmental mitigation measures are effected along 20 to 30 kilometres of road passing through the Ngorongoro. Conservation Area. Another study will be carried out soon, with the aim of improving Makuyuni - Musoma road link while avoiding interfering with the environmentally sensitive area
| Bagamoyo - Sadani - Pangani - Tanga Road |
This road links the coastal area from Dar es Salaam to Tanga. The road has a potential for tourist traffic related to attractions of Saadani game reserve and natural unspoilt beaches along the coastline. The road offers potential for diverted traffic currently plying between Dar es Salaam and Tanga. A consulting company M/S Nedco Ltd carried out design of the road section between Bagamoyo via Saadani to Tanga and coast region border in 1990.
| Manyoni - Itigi - Tabora Road |
This road has potential for shortening the route between Singida and Tabora by more than a half. It is expected that the road will capture the traffic currently using the central corridor through Nzega to Tabora. Gannet Flemming and Co-Architecture JV Consulting Engineers carried out feasibility study for this road section in 1996, and detailed design in was completed in 1998 by the same consultants.
The Tabora - Kigoma road, measuring some 420 Kilometres, offers a direct route between Kigoma and Tabora . Construction of this road would greatly stimulate socio-economic activities in the region as well as provide an alternative route for goods destined to neighbouring countries of the Great Lakes. Development of this road should go together with construction of Malagarasi Bridge. A feasibility study for improving this road was done by M/S Inter-Consult in association with Mott Hay and Anderson International Ltd in 1991. M/S Nedco Ltd is currently undertaking detailed design of the road
| Tanzania National Roads Agency ( TANROADS) |
The Government of the United republic of Tanzania is very pleased to established the Tanzania National Roads Agency as an Executive Agency of the Ministry of Works.
Click to enlarge (175 ko)
| Aim |
The main of TANROADS is to provide cost-effective and sustainable maintenance and development of the trunk and Regional Roads Network to support the socio-economic development of Tanzania. The discharge of its functions shall be guided by this aim.
| Strategic Objectives |
With regard to the main strategic objectives of TANROADS, with respect to the trunk and Regional Roads Network, shall be:
-TANROADS will work to agreed quality standards for all road maintenance and development works for each road type with due regard for protecting the environment.
-TANROADS will respond to maintenance needs and emergency works within agreed response times.
-TANROADS is to develop appropriate project planing and management systems and quality control procedures for maintenance and development works that provide the optimum environment for timely completion of works with adequate control of costs
-TANROADS is develop transparent procurement procedures for goods, works and services, that are agreeable to the Roads Fund Board, the Government of Tanzania, the donor agencies and approved by the Minister of Finance.
-TANROADS is to develop a system of internal auditing that is agreeable to the Roads Fund Board. The Government of Tanzania the donor agencies and approved by the Auditor General 's Office
| Functions |
The main functions of TANROADS shall be:
To undertake procurement and management of contracts for design, maintenance. emergency repairs spot improvements. Rehabilitation. Upgrading and construction of roads under its control.
To improve road safety and reduce negative environmental impact in the road network under its control.
Upon request of local authorities or road agencies. To perform any work in connection with any road under the control of such authorities or agencies or to have it done under its supervision , for the account of that authority and charge a fee for such services;
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To establish and maintain appropriate road databank.
To co-operate with local authorities and road agencies with respect to long term. Annual and operational plans for roads;
To establish and operate weigh-bridges and enforce axle load control in the road network under its control
To manage contracts on operations of ferries within the road network under its control
To oversee establishment and operations of toll roads.
To carry out or commission research as necessary in support of its aim and functions
To advise the Ministry on regulations and standards for road works.
| Contact |
Tanzania National Roads Agency
Po Box 11364
Tetex House
Dar es Salaam
Tanzania
Tel: (255 022) 2125914/5
| CONTRACTORS REGISTRATION BOARD (CRB) |
| Background |
The Contractors Registration Board (CRB) was established by the act of Parliament No. 17 of 1997. The Board is regulatory body responsible for registration, regulation and development of all types of Contractors in Tanzania.
| Objectives of CRB |
Success of construction industry depends, to a large extent on the competence of persons and firms involved in the sector. Since Contractors are key players in the industry, CRB has a role to ensure that their performance matches the expectations of the public. The main objective of CRB, therefore, is to ensure that competent Contractors who observe business ethics, quality of work and safety of workmen and public at large serve the construction industry in Tanzania.
| Functions of CRB |
In the pursuit of the above objective, the Board performs the following functions as stipulated under Section 4 of the Contractors registration act, 1997.
To consider and decide upon application for registration, to effect registration of contractors; to maintain a register of contractors; and to prescribe fees for registration and annual subscription
To regulate the activities and conduct of contractors
To enter and inspect any site for construction, installation, erection or alteration works for the purpose of verifying and insuring that the works are being undertaken by registered contractors; and that the works comply with all governing regulations and laws of the country
To take legal action against unregistered contractors who undertake construction; installation; erection work
To verify and ensure that every site for construction, installation, erection, alteration work has a sign board which shows the names and address of the project, client, consultants and the contractors of the project; and to take legal action against defaulters.
To promote and provide opportunities and facilities for the study of, and for the training in pre-contract and post contract management, construction, erection, installation or alteration of structures and allied subjects connected with them;
To promote and maintain professional conduct and integrity of contractors;
To conduct examinations and to grant certificates and other awards of the Board in the subjects referred to in paragraph (f);
To sponsor, arrange and provide facilities for courses, workshops, conferences, seminars, discussion, symposia and consultations on matters relating to the subjects referred to in paragraph (f);
To arrange for the publication and general dissemination of materials produced in connection with the work and activities of the Board;
To furnish managerial, technical and administrative consultancy services to contractors;
To liase and interact with both local and international professional boards and associations involved in and with the construction industry;
To ensure that all construction sites are hoarded; and labour laws; occupational health and safety regulations in the construction industry are adhered to;
To classify contractors into different types, categories and classes and to set class limits of projects to be executed by contractors;
To set criteria to be met by contractors for registration in different classes;
To review registered contractors;
To review registered contractors with view of ensuring that they meet the registration criteria in force of their respective types, categories and classes;
To consider applications for dispensation for specific contracts by clients or their consultants on behalf of registered contractors.
To carry out any other functions which are in the public interest and which the Minister may in writing, direct.
| Types and classification of Contractors |
Civil Works Contractors
Building Contractors
Mechanical Contractors
Electrical Contractors with
Specialist Contractors
All General Contractors are classified into seven classes, where Class one is the top of the ladder and class seven is the bottom of the ladder. Specialist Contractors are classified into three classes in which class three is the lowest. The class of any contractors indicates the level of capability of the firm as a Contractor. Furthermore Contractors are categorised as "local" or "foreign".
There are foreign contractors who come to Tanzania as contractors after winning international bids. These are required to register as temporary contractors for the period of their specific project.
| Contact |
| Contractors Registration Board |
Po Box 13374
Tetex House
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Tel (255-022) 2 137.962
Fax (255-022) 2 137.964
Email crb@afsat.com
| Engineers Registration Board (ERB) |
| Background |
The Engineers Registration Board was established by the Act No. 15 of 1997, which repealed and re-enacted with modifications the Engineers (Registration) Act, 1968. The act No. 15 of 1997 was passed in the National Assembly on the 10th April 1997 and assented by the president of the united republic of Tanzania, hon. Benjamin W. Mkapa, on 12th June 1997. The law was enacted "to regulate the conduct of engineers, to provide for their registration and for related matters."
| Functions |
As per the article number 4 of the Act No. 15 of 1997, the functions of ' the Board' are specified as follows:
To maintain and keep register of engineers, including consulting engineers or firms providing engineering services;
To consider and decide on applications for registration;
To promote and provide opportunities and facilities for the study and for professional training in engineering;
To sponsor, arrange and provide for facilities for the conferences, seminars, workshops and consultations on matters related to the field of engineering;
To promote and maintain professional conduct and integrity of the engineering profession;
To monitor the conduct and activities of engineers, including consulting engineers or firms;
To arrange for the publication and dissemination of materials produced in connection with the work and activities of the Board;
To certify academic award given by training institutions for consideration of applications for registration
To carry out such other functions as the Minister may, from time to time direct after consultation with the Board.
| Categories |
The Act provides for the following categories of registration of Engineers and Engineering Consulting firms;
Graduate Technician Engineer
Graduate Engineer
Technician Engineer
Professional Engineer
Consulting Engineer
Consulting firm
| Contact |
ERB Secretariat
Po Box 14942
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Tel: (255-022) 2124265
Fax: (255-022). 2124265
E-mail: erb@wilken-dsm.com. |
