The commissioning of a $140 million cable-stayed bridge in Tanzania last month has opened up beach access to tourists heading to southern part of Dar es Salaam.

Tanzanian President John Magufuli last month officially opened the 680-metre Kigamboni Bridge which connects Dar es Salaam city centre and the satellite city of Kigamboni.

The bridge project was funded by the National Social Security Fund and Tanzanian government and was constructed by China Railway Construction Engineering Group and China Railway Major Bridge Engineering Group.

Apart from the bridge linking the city centre with southern neighbourhoods across the Indian Ocean, it would also ease over-crowding on ferries.

According to Tanzania Tourist Board MD, Devota Mdachi, the commissioning of the cable-stayed bridge was a major boost to tourism as tourists would easily access beaches south of Dar es Salaam. Mdachi said: “Over the years, it had been difficult for tourists to access the beautiful beaches at Kigamboni, south of Dar es Salaam. “As a result of the opening of bridge, we expect to receive more international tourists, making Dar es Salaam city an attractive destination for beach enthusiasts.”

The bridge, she added, would open up new business and settlements in the newly developed Kigamboni suburb, the upcoming tourist and luxury satellite city in Dar es Salaam.

National Social Security Fund executives recently said the Kigamboni satellite city will have modern luxury hotels, tourist apartments and shopping malls.

Apart from Kigamboni city, a modern real estate project, is at its final stage of construction at Dege village in Dar es Salaam. The initiative, dubbed “Dege Eco Project”, comprises the construction of 300 luxury villas, 7 160 modern houses, a shopping centre and a health facility. Dege Eco Village has also been designed with modern facilities including restaurants and cafés in garden areas, outdoor sports fields, outdoor and indoor swimming pools.