The Tanzania Rural and Urban Roads Agency (TARURA) is expanding its Community-Based Routine Maintenance (CBRM) programme to improve year-round accessibility of rural and urban roads while also creating income opportunities for local communities.

The initiative marks a shift from centralized road maintenance systems to a community-driven approach where local residents take responsibility for maintaining the roads they use daily.

Through this model, community groups are formed within local areas and are paid to carry out routine maintenance tasks that help protect road infrastructure from rapid deterioration.The programme is being implemented across 70 councils in 25 regions of Tanzania, covering an estimated 15,000 kilometres of roads.So far, about 7,000 kilometres have already been maintained since the programme started.

TARURA officials, including those from the Environmental and Social Management Unit, explained during a training session in Mwanza that the initiative aims to strengthen both infrastructure sustainability and local livelihoods.

The training involved regional managers, procurement officers, and technical teams to ensure proper implementation and consistent standards across regions.Community maintenance activities include clearing vegetation along roads, cleaning drainage systems, and ensuring culverts are functioning properly.

These tasks are essential in preventing flooding, erosion, and road blockages, especially during the rainy seasons when rural access becomes more difficult.

The programme has also received support and recognition from the International Labour Organization, which highlighted its dual benefit of improving road reliability and generating income for rural households.By involving communities directly, TARURA aims to create a sense of ownership and long-term sustainability for Tanzania’s road infrastructure.

The model is expected to reduce maintenance gaps often caused by limited resources while supporting local economic development through steady employment opportunities.As the programme reaches its midpoint in its three-year rollout, TARURA continues to refine its implementation strategy for wider national coverage.