SONGEA, July 3 -- THE Tanzanian government has officially launched the construction of a new section of the Makambako-Songea road linking Njombe and Ruvuma regions, after the existing infrastructure deteriorated following more than 40 years of use.

Speaking during the launch of the project, Minister for Works Abdallah Ulega said the road is of strategic importance not only to the two regions but to the entire country due to its contribution to economic activities and national development.

He noted that Njombe and Ruvuma are major food-producing regions, making reliable transport crucial for the movement of agricultural produce from farmers to markets. He also pointed to the growing coal industry, saying efficient transport infrastructur...