Tanzania has officially completed the longest bridge in East Africa, a 3.2-kilometre architectural marvel stretching across Lake Victoria in the country’s northwestern Mwanza region. The bridge, now named the Magufuli Bridge after the late President John Magufuli, represents a significant achievement in the nation’s infrastructure development and a boost to regional connectivity.
Costing approximately £240 million ($300 million), the project was fully funded by the Tanzanian government. Construction began in December 2019, undertaken by Chinese firms China Civil Engineering Construction Group and China Railway. Despite delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the bridge was completed on October 6, 2023, with the pouring of the final cement tank, marking the end of the building process.
The Magufuli Bridge connects the Misungwi and Sengerema districts and is expected to transform the transportation landscape in the region. As the only extra-dosed cable-stayed bridge in the Lake Victoria area, it ranks among Africa’s top 10 longest bridges, symbolizing both modern engineering prowess and Tanzania’s commitment to improving infrastructure.
Also, read; Kanye West Sued by Ex-Employee Claiming He Was Ordered to Spy on Kim Kardashian and Bianca Censori
Originally known as the Kigongo-Busisi Bridge, the structure was renamed in honor of President Magufuli, who was instrumental in initiating the project before his passing in 2021. His vision for the bridge was to enhance the flow of goods and people, facilitating smoother trade and movement between Tanzania and its neighboring countries, including Rwanda, Burundi, and Uganda.
The completion of this bridge is a significant milestone, as it now provides a vital transport link across Lake Victoria, reducing the reliance on ferries and shortening travel times for commuters and cargo trucks. It is also expected to spur economic growth in the region by providing faster, more efficient access for businesses and travelers.
The opening of the Magufuli Bridge underscores Tanzania’s broader efforts to improve its national infrastructure and boost connectivity with its East African neighbors, supporting regional integration and economic development. As one of the largest infrastructure projects in the country, it reflects the Tanzanian government’s vision to strengthen its transportation networks and foster closer ties within the region.
This new transport hub is not just a symbol of Tanzania’s growth but also a lasting tribute to the late President Magufuli’s legacy in driving the nation toward greater development and progress.
