The Tanzania Rural and Urban Roads Agency (TARURA) has successfully completed the rehabilitation of the 21-kilometre Ludewa–Lumbiji rural road in Kilosa District, Morogoro Region, as part of the national Roads to Inclusion and Socioeconomic Opportunities (RISE) programme.The upgraded road now ensures year-round accessibility for communities that previously suffered severe isolation during the rainy season.

The project, valued at around 741 million Tanzanian shillings, included grading the entire stretch, constructing 500 metres of concrete road through the Kinyenye hills, building drainage systems, and constructing five bridges, including a major crossing.Embankments were also raised and gravel laid in flood-prone sections such as Mgambo, which had historically become impassable during heavy rains.Local authorities report that the improvements have significantly transformed transport conditions for residents.Farmers in the area, who mainly grow maize, beans, and ginger, can now reliably transport their produce to markets throughout the year.

Previously, poor road conditions during rainy seasons caused crops to rot or forced farmers to sell at very low prices due to limited access to buyers.Transport costs have also dropped substantially.

For example, the cost of moving a 120-kilogram sack of beans has fallen from between 20,000–30,000 shillings to about 12,000–15,000 shillings, improving farmer incomes.Beyond economic benefits, the project has improved access to essential services such as healthcare.Residents previously faced life-threatening delays in reaching medical facilities, especially pregnant women during emergencies.

Community leaders have praised the project as a major breakthrough for rural development, noting improved connectivity, better market prices, and enhanced quality of life.

The RISE programme continues to support rural infrastructure development across Tanzania, aiming to reduce isolation, strengthen climate resilience, and promote inclusive economic growth in agriculture-dependent communities.