DAR ES SALAAM — Tanzanian President John Magufuli on April 19 inaugurated a $135 million Nyerere Bridge built by Chinese in the commercial capital Dar es Salaam, saying the bridge will contribute to the country’s economic growth.

“The Chinese contractors have done a good job,” Magufuli told the Chinese ambassador to Tanzania, Lu Youqing.

Tanzanian President John Magufuli

The President thanked China for the excellent job done by China Railway Construction Engineering Group (CRCEG) in a joint venture with China Railway Major Bridge Group (CRMBG).

The CRCEG/CRMBG project manager, Zhang Bangxu, said they employed over 5,000 Tanzanians as local foremen and technicians who have gained on-job experience.

“They can now be able to manage projects of similar proportions,” said Zhang, adding that the construction of the bridge has given CRCEG and CRMBG credibility to undertake other construction works in the east African nation.

The 680 meter-long bridge, the first of its kind in east and central Africa, connects Dar es Salaam’s business district to Nyerere creek.

A part of the Nyerere Bridge is seen in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania,. [Photo/Xinhua]

The bridge, measured 32 meters in width, has six lanes, three in each direction. It also has two pedestrian and cyclist lanes with a width of 2.5 meters, one on each side.