Infrastructure

Eng Patrick Mfugale Flyover Opens in Dar es Salaam

Construction of the Tazara Flyover commenced in 2016 and was completed in 29 months.

Updated on

October 2, 2018

The newly opened Eng Patrick Mfugale Flyover in Dar es Salaam. PHOTO | COURTESY

The September 27 launch of the Tazara Flyover sparked excitement as Dar es Salaam residents welcomed Tanzania’s first viaduct, now named the Eng Patrick Mfugale Flyover.

Business temporarily came to a standstill at the junction of Nyerere and Mandela roads in the Tazara area as thousands of citizens gathered to witness the official inauguration of the 425-metre flyover by President John Magufuli.

The $45 million flyover erected at the Tazara intersection, which is notorious for traffic congestion, offers a big relief to motorists passing through the junction of the roads.

Japanese contractor Sumitomo Mitsui Construction has been hailed by many Tanzanians for the timeous delivery of an iconic structure that has left many users smiling to the bank as they capitalise on the facility to make more money.

“Before the flyover, we could do a maximum of six trips only between 5 am and midnight, but since the opening of the flyover we now do a maximum of 10 trips per day,” said Mr Shaaban Khalfaa, a bus operator on the Gongo la Mboto – Mnazi Mmoja route.

The flyover has also enabled workers to get to their respective workstations on time.

President John Magufuli (left) with Eng Patrick Mfugale at a past event. PHOTO | COURTESY

Construction of the Tazara Flyover commenced in 2016 and was completed in 29 months. The project was fully funded by Japan through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica).

Speaking during the launch, President Magufuli said the naming of the flyover after Tanzania National Roads Agency (Tanroads) director Patrick Mfugale was meant to recognise the engineer’s outstanding commitment to serving the nation.

“Mfugale has served his country with great honesty and I believe that you (the citizens) will agree with me that we name this flyover after his name,” said President Magufuli.

He commended Japan for funding the project, adding that Tokyo should consider the implementation of the long-awaited flyover at the Gerezani area and the 4.1 kilometres of road stretching between Mwenge and Morocco.