SIGN OF THINGS TO COME: Architect's impression of the proposed flyover at the intersection of Nyerere Road and Nelson Mandela Expressway in Dar es Salaam, the construction of which is scheduled for October/November 2014.
CONSTRUCTION of a flyover at the Tazara intersection in Dar es Salaam is set to take off between October and November after Japan extended additional support of 346,000,000 yen (about 6bn/-) to Tanzania.
The additional support brings the total amount extended so far by the government of Japan towards the project to over 56bn/-, after another was signed last year of 3.13 billion Japanese Yen, equivalent to 52.55bn/-.
According to Japanese Ambassador Masaki Okada, the additional support aims at addressing the shortfall in the budget caused by fluctuation of foreign exchange rates and increased price of materials.
Mr Okada made the remarks in Dar es Salaam yesterday shortly after the signing of two agreements between JICA and the government for the Tazara Intersection Improvement Project and Reinforcement of Power Distribution in Dar es Salaam Project.
"The flyover will improve traffic conditions for both commuters and cargo transportation, thereby reinforcing the function of Dar es Salaam Port as an international port, which will in turn enhance economic growth and investment in the commercial capital by reducing transportation costs," he explained.
On the power distribution project in Dar es Salaam, Japan will provide an additional grant of up to 4,410,000,000 Japanese Yen (more than 70bn/-) to the government of Tanzania, which will go into the construction of five substations and a distribution line.
"We are confident that the project will greatly contribute to enhancing capability and improving stability of power supply in Dar es Salaam city, which will lead to further development of economic activities and improve social services such as schools and hospitals," he explained.
Expounding on the two grants, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Finance, Dr Servacius Likwelile, said the improvement of the Tazara intersection had received 3.13 billion Japanese Yen, equivalent to 52.55bn/-, in June last year. However, due to higher stakes by bidders, the money was insufficient.
"So the amount will serve as additional support for successful implementation of the Tazara intersection projects flyover," he explained. On power distribution in Dar es Salaam, Dr Likwelile said the grant will facilitate construction of three new substations at Muhimbili, Mwananyamala and Jangwani Beach and construction of approximately 17.2km of 33kv distribution line between the existing substations and the three new one.
He pointed out that the successful implementation of the project will mitigate the critical challenges resulting from instability of power supply in Dar es Salaam, which in turn will stimulate economic activities and contribute to economic growth.
"Roads and energy are the key infrastructure for economic growth... your assistance therefore well targeted and highly valued at it will complement our efforts to scale up investments in these sectors," Dr Likwelile observed.
JICA Tanzania Chief Representative Mr Yasunori Onishi said his country has been extending support towards the energy sector and roads for many years aimed at tackling challenges facing the sectors.
He said decongestion of the city is one of the pillars of JICA transport sector support, adding that residents of the city are affected by traffic jams on daily basis, which he noted was causing tremendous economic loss to the nation.
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