PREMIER Mizengo Pinda has reassured residents of Katavi region that the government plans to upgrade the Mpanda-Tabora via Inyonga road to tarmac level before 2015.

The 359 kilometres stretch of road would link Katavi and neighbouring Tabora region as the state is keen to see all regions in the country are linked by tarmac road networks.

Mr Pinda gave the assurance when he addressed public rallies recently at Ilunde, Inyonga, Ugalla and Nsimbo villages in Mlele district where he is on a working tour of Katavi region.

"The current road networks are made of gravel but are still passable throughout the year, but we will upgrade them," he said. The premier noted that a Chinese firm has already shown interest in financing the construction of sections of roads from Mpanda to Tabora (359kms) and Mpanda to Uvinza in Kigoma region (190.5kms) to tarmac level.

"Talks between the Chinese firm, China Railway Engineering Company and the government have reached satisfactory stage," he said. Katavi Regional Commissioner, Dr Rajab Rutengwe had earlier briefed the premier that the government has allocated over 6.4bn/- for rehabilitating roads in the region in the 2012/13 financial year.

He also told the premier that feasibility studies for the rehabilitation of Kavuu Bridge on the Inyonga-Majimoto road has been completed and the state has set aside over 1.5bn/- for the construction Ugala Bridge along Kawajense road in Mpanda to Ugala in Mlele during this fiscal year.

Mr Pinda also told the public that feasibility studies and preparation of contractual documents for construction of Mpanda-Koga road have been completed and the government has set aside over 1.2bn/- to secure a contractor to start upgrading the road to tarmac level.