By Edson Baraukwa | Africa Guardian
Since its inauguration in 2016, Tanzania’s Nyerere Bridge has generated Sh102.18 billion, according to the government. Despite this significant revenue, the bridge is still far from recouping its total investment cost.
The bridge is an investment by the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) and is projected to repay Sh344 billion over 30 years, as detailed in a feasibility study. Deputy Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office (Labour, Youth Employment, and People with Disabilities), Mr. Patrobas Katambi, shared these figures while responding to inquiries from Members of Parliament, as reported by The Citizen.
Kigamboni MP, who had inquired about the timeline for the NSSF to recover its investment before transferring ownership to the government, prompted the Deputy Minister’s disclosure. Mr. Patrobas stated, “By July 2024, marking nine years of operations, Sh102.18 billion has been collected from various tolls.”
The feasibility study anticipates that the project will generate Sh344 billion over three decades, covering investment costs, security, and the value of the invested funds. Once this amount is fully repaid, the bridge will be handed over to the government.
Mr. Patrobas also mentioned that after the NSSF has recovered its investment, the government will explore ways to allow citizens to benefit from the bridge without further toll payments.
In response to a follow-up question about the government’s plans to evaluate NSSF’s investment projects for potential losses, Mr. Patrobas explained that actuarial assessments are conducted every three years to identify any challenges with such investments.
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