Japan helps Tanzania roads in US$80 million grant

THE Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) overseas development assistance (ODA) in Africa is to concentrate on improving the roads in Tanzania with a US$80 million grant to strengthen infrastructure on roads between Iringa and Dodoma.

The Road Sector Support Project is key to improving trade on the 260 kilometre road network between Iringa and Dodoma which is poor and particularly difficult in rainy season when transit times double. The improvement will extend to the Tunduru-Namtumbo route that leads to the Port of Mtwara, an essential export base south of the country for the country's agriculture.

"Importantly, the southern part of Tanzania is considered to have tremendous potential for increased agricultural yields and it is expected that better infrastructure will boost its supply chain, develop the economy and improve livelihoods," JICA said in an American Shipper report.

JICA provides technical assistance, grants and loans on behalf of the Japanese government and will collaborate with the African Development Bank and the Accelerated Co-financing Facility for Africa (ACFA) in its ODA in Tanzania.
(Source:www.schednet.com)