Tanzania Intensifies Efforts to Alleviate Truck Congestion at Tunduma Border
TUNDUMA, Songwe Region — The Tanzanian government has announced urgent measures aimed at easing the heavy truck bottlenecks at Tunduma, a pivotal gateway for freight en route to Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
During a visit to Tunduma, Construction Minister Abdallah Ulega instructed the Tanzania National Roads Agency (TANROADS) to immediately assess the border road with the objective of expanding capacity. The plan follows years of complaints from truck drivers and local residents about traffic jams that hinder travel and trade.
Minister Ulega stated,
- I have directed TANROADS to secure emergency funding and conduct an assessment so this road can be expanded without delay. Our objective is to add three lanes to ease truck congestion in this area.
To tackle issues at the Mpemba weighbridge, where trucks frequently have to turn around for weight checks, the minister announced that a new weighbridge will be built at Iboya. Once completed, this facility will serve all trucks traveling from Tunduma to Mbeya, reducing delays and promoting smoother traffic flow.
With the Iboya weighbridge operational, trucks will no longer need to reverse direction. The Mpemba weighbridge will then handle only vehicles traveling from Mbeya to Tunduma, according to the minister.
Minister Ulega also urged TANROADS regional managers in Mbeya and Songwe to upgrade feeder roads in the region, a move expected to further decrease vehicle queues and ease road use for commuters and freight operators.
Songwe Regional Commissioner Jabir Makame thanked President Samia Suluhu Hassan for her ongoing support in funding road infrastructure and urged swift implementation of the plans to relieve congestion.
Previously, truck drivers in the area highlighted that the Mpemba weighbridge struggles with volume, causing extended waiting times. They had called for additional weighbridges to streamline processing, a concern now being addressed by the Iboya project.
If implemented, these measures aim to restore smooth traffic flow at one of Tanzania’s busiest border points, enhancing trade efficiency and reducing frustration for transporters and nearby communities.
