Tanzania’s infrastructure transformation continues to gain momentum as the Minister for Transport, Prof. Makame Mbarawa, has directed contractors to increase construction speed while strictly maintaining international quality standards.
The directive was issued during his inspection of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) project – Mwanza–Isaka section (Lot 5). According to the latest progress update, the project has reached 68% overall completion, with bridge construction at 90% and track laying at 53%.
Prof. Mbarawa emphasized that while accelerating progress is important to meet national timelines, quality must never be compromised. He stressed that Tanzania’s SGR is being built to meet global railway standards to ensure durability, safety, and long-term economic value.
The Mwanza–Isaka section is strategically significant as it connects the Lake Victoria zone to the central railway corridor, strengthening trade routes and boosting regional integration. Once completed, the SGR will enhance freight efficiency, reduce transportation costs, and improve passenger mobility across the country.
The government continues to prioritize large-scale infrastructure investments as part of Tanzania’s broader development agenda, positioning the nation as a logistics and transport hub in East and Central Africa.
With progress advancing steadily and oversight reinforced at the highest levels, Tanzania’s SGR project remains one of the most ambitious railway modernization initiatives on the continent.
