Korogwe, Tanga: Involving community groups in minor road infrastructure maintenance has been cited as a solution to reduce government costs and increase the durability of roads in the country.
Engineer Ephrahim Kalunde from the RISE-TARURA project said this during an orientation training for 30 community groups in Korogwe district, Tanga region that are involved in road maintenance.
He explained that the training is being provided through the Rural Road Improvement and Opening of Socio-Economic Opportunities (RISE) project, which among other things encourages citizens to participate in minor road maintenance when damage occurs.
“The method of using groups to carry out road maintenance in their areas will help the government reduce costs as the maintenance will be done on time. It will also reduce the cost of finding a contractor since these activities can be carried out by citizens in the relevant area and ensure that the roads are passable at all times”, said Engineer Kalunde.
He mentioned some of the tasks that the groups will be doing include cutting grass, cleaning road drains and building small infrastructure that does not require large construction equipment.
According to Engineer Kalunde, through the project they will reach 25 regions of Tanzania Mainland and in the first phase that has begun, it involves four regions and eight district councils.
Social Welfare Officer from TARURA, Mr. Owigo Phinias said the training will build professional skills for the groups, a step that will also help them to become economically independent through road maintenance work.
