By Business Insider Correspondent, Serengeti
Tanzania has ordered contractors to accelerate construction of six road and bridge projects in Serengeti National Park ahead of anticipated heavy rains, as the government moves to protect critical tourism infrastructure from weather-related disruptions.
Natural Resources and Tourism Minister Dr. Ashatu Kijaji said contractors and project supervisors must ensure roads remain passable and infrastructure is protected as the rainy season approaches, particularly amid forecasts of heavy El Niño rains.
Kijaji issued the directive on October 3, 2026, during an inspection of six road and bridge projects under construction inside the national park.
The projects are important to the operation of Serengeti’s tourism industry, where reliable roads and bridges are essential for moving visitors, tour vehicles, workers and supplies across the vast conservation area.
Kijaji warned that the government would take legal action against contractors or officials responsible for unnecessary delays.
She said President Samia Suluhu Hassan had approved all the funding requested for the infrastructure works because of their importance, placing responsibility on contractors and project managers to deliver them as planned.
“Everyone who has been assigned an area to supervise must ensure they fulfil their responsibilities,” Dr. Kijaji said.
Deadline for equipment
The minister expressed concern over delays in getting construction machinery and materials to project sites.
She directed that all required machinery and equipment begin arriving at the construction sites by Monday, October 5.
Officials responsible for procurement and the publication of tenders through government procurement systems were also instructed to complete the necessary processes within the two-day period.
Kijaji said the early release of government funding was intended to ensure that critical infrastructure works were sufficiently advanced before the expected period of heavy rainfall.
She directed contractors and supervisors to protect the infrastructure against heavy rains expected from early to mid-October and insisted that all six projects must ultimately be completed within their contractual timelines.
Tourism infrastructure under pressure
For Tanzania’s tourism industry, the condition of infrastructure inside national parks is more than a maintenance issue.
Reliable road networks directly affect tourists’ ability to reach attractions, the efficiency of tour operators and the overall visitor experience. Weather-related road closures or damaged bridges can disrupt itineraries and increase operating costs for safari companies.
Serengeti is one of Tanzania’s flagship tourism destinations and an important part of the country’s international tourism offering. Maintaining year-round accessibility is therefore critical to protecting the economic activity generated by accommodation providers, tour operators, transport companies and other businesses linked to the park.
The government’s push to complete the projects before the rains also illustrates the growing importance of building resilience into tourism infrastructure as extreme weather threatens transport networks and other assets.
Kijaji said contractors should ensure that the projects were not only prepared for the immediate rainy season but also completed according to the standards and deadlines stipulated in their contracts. The test will be whether the accelerated construction programme can keep Serengeti’s roads and bridges functioning through the approaching rains — protecting both one of Tanzania’s most valuable natural assets and the businesses that depend on visitors being able to reach it.
