LUKUMAY URGES GOVERNMENT TO INCREASE TARURA BUDGET FOR ARUMERU WEST

 LUKUMAY URGES GOVERNMENT TO INCREASE TARURA BUDGET FOR ARUMERU WEST

By Joseph Ngilisho | Dodoma

Arumeru West Member of Parliament, Dr. Johannes Lukumay, has called on the Government to increase the budget allocation for the Tanzania Rural and Urban Roads Agency (TARURA) in his constituency from the current TZS 2.3 billion to at least TZS 6 billion in order to address persistent road infrastructure challenges affecting residents and economic activities.

Dr. Lukumay made the appeal in Parliament while presenting a supplementary question regarding the Government’s plans to improve road infrastructure in Arumeru West. He noted that despite ongoing efforts by the Government, several roads in the constituency remain in poor condition, causing hardships for local communities and hindering socio-economic development.

The legislator began by commending the Sixth Phase Government under President Samia Suluhu Hassan for significantly increasing TARURA’s national budget from approximately TZS 944 billion to more than TZS 1.2 trillion in the current financial year.

He emphasized that Arumeru West’s unique geographical characteristics require greater investment in road infrastructure to ensure reliable transportation services throughout the year.

Dr. Lukumay highlighted several roads that require urgent rehabilitation, including the Malaluwa, Mlangarini–Bwawani, Olgilai, Sokon II–Bangata, TPRI–Lekamba, Mbauda–Loksuto, and Kimamoto–Mwandeti roads. He stressed that these roads play a critical role in the transportation of agricultural produce, access to social services, and the growth of economic activities within the constituency.

“Is the Government prepared to increase the TARURA budget for Arumeru West from the current TZS 2.3 billion to at least TZS 6 billion in order to resolve the road infrastructure challenges facing our people?” Dr. Lukumay asked.

Responding to the question, the Minister responsible for TARURA acknowledged the unique infrastructure challenges facing Arumeru West, particularly due to its volcanic terrain, which significantly increases the cost of constructing durable roads.

The Minister commended Dr. Lukumay for consistently advocating for the interests of his constituents and noted that the Government has continued to increase TARURA’s budget annually to improve the country’s road network.

He further explained that the Government is currently in the final stages of reviewing road construction technologies and standards that take into account the varying geographical conditions across different regions, including Arumeru West, to ensure long-lasting and sustainable infrastructure projects.

“We are fully aware of the challenges facing Arumeru West and the importance of having durable roads. The Government will continue to increase investment in the area to ensure that residents benefit from quality infrastructure that meets their needs,” the Minister said.

The Government’s assurance has renewed hope among residents of Arumeru West, who have long been calling for improvements to the road network to facilitate transportation, ease the movement of agricultural produce, and accelerate economic development across the constituency.

Ends