From Dusty Tracks to Cobblestone Dreams: A Citizen’s Applause for Progress, a Call for More

Remember the bone-jarring rides on Tanzania’s rural roads? The dust clouds swallowing cars whole? My recent road tour held the promise of more backaches and massage cream, but instead, I found a surprise – change. Cobblestone roads, sturdy bridges, and a newfound hum of progress echoed through the villages. Kudos, TARURA!

As a long-time advocate for technological change in rural infrastructure, my cheers are laced with cautious optimism. Remember, these accolades come after years of critique, of demanding accountability, of pushing for a vision that embraces sustainability, efficiency, and local empowerment.

So, while TARURA’s innovative steps deserve applause, a crucial question hangs in the air: is this a victory lap, or a springboard for transformative change?

The statistics are promising – 50% cost reduction through technology, 163 bridges built – but Tanzania’s Vision 2050 demands a revolution, not just improvement. We need disruptive innovation, the kind that challenges conventions and harnesses the full potential of technology and local ingenuity.

While TARURA’s experiments with on-site soil utilization are a positive step, we crave more. We need a turbocharged R&D engine, roaring with partnerships between universities, private innovators, and international experts. We need an ecosystem that fosters radical ideas, not just timid tweaks.

And let’s not forget the heart of the matter – the people. Minister Mchengerwa, your call to promote local contractors is welcome, but it needs genuine inclusivity. Communities along these roads deserve to be active partners, not passive beneficiaries. Transparency, participation, and knowledge sharing are the lifeblood of sustainable development.

So, yes, let’s applaud TARURA’s progress. But let this applause be the fuel that propels us further, not a pat on the back. We stand at a critical juncture, and the time for complacency is over. Let’s make sure today’s accolades become the foundation for a tomorrow where technology, local expertise, and citizen engagement pave the way for a truly thriving Tanzania.

This isn’t just about roads; it’s about building a future where progress and sustainability dance hand-in-hand. It’s about carving a path towards Vision 2050, not just dreaming of it. Let’s etch this future in stone and cobblestones, driven by the collective will of a people who refuse to settle for anything less than extraordinary.

But our journey doesn’t end with TARURA. This call to action extends to all government agencies. Embrace technological advancements. Bridge the communication gap with the public. We live in a rapidly changing world, and those who fail to adapt will be left in the dust.

Technology is our key to unlock efficiency, reduce costs, and provide better services. It can make us more transparent and accountable. But let’s ensure everyone has access to its benefits, regardless of location or income. Invest in infrastructure, education, and training.

Let’s use technology responsibly, protecting privacy and security, mindful of unintended consequences. Tanzania has the potential to be a digital leader, with a young population and progress in mobile banking and e-commerce.

With the right policies and investments, we can build a digital economy that benefits all Tanzanians. Together, let’s make Tanzania a more prosperous, equitable, and sustainable nation, where the dusty tracks of yesterday lead to the cobblestone dreams of tomorrow.

This article by Annastazia Rugaba, Director for Advocacy and Engagement Twaweza East Africa, was originally published in the Daily Newspaper.