Mainland-Zanzibar bridge in the pipeline

The government has revealed plans to construct a 50-kilometer Tanzania mainland-Zanzibar bridge, which will be the first of its kind in Africa. The revelation was made in Parliament by the deputy minister of Works and Transport Godfrey Kasekenya on April 2023.

This revelation comes approximately two years since the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar unveiled another plan to build sea bridges connecting its main islands to its inhabited islets. The main islands in question are Unguja and Pemba while the inhabited islets are Tumbatu, Fundo, Kojani, Kisiwapanza, Kokota, and Makoongwe.

The plan to build sea bridges connecting Zanzibar’s main islands to its inhabited islets is contained in the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar’s Vision 2050. The bridges are expected to increase human activities such as food, fish production, and trade in the islets.

Development of the plans for the Tanzania mainland-Zanzibar bridge

According to Kasekenya talks on the development and construction of the Tanzania mainland-Zanzibar bridge began on March 11, 2023, and are currently in advanced stages.

The parties involved have also met with the prospective investors of M/S China Overseas Engineering Group Company (COVEC). The latter has reportedly shown interest in building the bridge. The outcome of the meeting is still being worked according to by the deputy minister of Works and Transport.

Kasekenya revealed the status of the project development while answering Mwantum Dau Haji (CCM Special Seats) question. Haji wanted to know when the construction of the bridge, whose main objective is to ease the movement of goods and people, would kick off.