Roads Fund Board

The Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Works, Dr. Charles Msonde, has called on Tanzanians to take an active role in protecting the country's road infrastructure by refraining from acts of vandalism that cause financial losses to the Government and endanger the safety of road users.

Dr. Msonde made the remarks during his visit to the Roads Fund Board (RFB) exhibition booth at the ongoing Nanenane International Agricultural Exhibition at the John Malecela Grounds in Dodoma. During the visit, he received information on the financing of road maintenance and the importance of preserving road infrastructure to ensure its long-term sustainability.

He noted that the Government continues to allocate substantial resources through the national budget for road maintenance to ensure that the country's road network remains in good condition, provides reliable services to the public, and supports social and economic development.

"Roads are not only built; they must also be properly maintained throughout their lifespan. Routine maintenance is essential for extending the service life of roads and ensuring that they remain safe and accessible for all users," said Dr. Msonde.

He further explained that, in addition to road construction and maintenance, the Government invests significantly in road safety infrastructure, including traffic signs, street lighting, and other essential road safety facilities. However, he expressed concern over the continued vandalism of such infrastructure, including the theft of streetlights and the destruction of road signs.

According to Dr. Msonde, these acts of vandalism impose unnecessary maintenance costs on the Government, diverting financial resources that could otherwise be invested in expanding and improving the national road network. He added that the destruction of road safety infrastructure also increases the risk of road accidents and compromises the safety of all road users.

Dr. Msonde also urged the public to respect road reserves by refraining from encroaching on land designated for future road expansion and avoiding commercial activities within these protected areas. He emphasized that unauthorized use of road reserves undermines road safety, increases maintenance costs, and delays the implementation of critical infrastructure projects.

He stressed that the Government's efforts to ensure that roads remain safe, accessible, and serviceable throughout the year can only succeed through the active participation and cooperation of the public in protecting and preserving road infrastructure.

"Roads are a national asset belonging to all Tanzanians. Every citizen has a responsibility to protect them so that public funds allocated for road maintenance deliver maximum value and ensure that this infrastructure continues to serve both present and future generations," Dr. Msonde emphasized.