East Africa's new longest bridge that's 1.9 miles long

's longest bridge has just been completed and it's 1.9 miles long and cost about £193 million to build. The John Magufuli Bridge spans the Mwanza Gulf on the southern shore of Lake Victoria, and connects the towns of Busisi and Kigongo. A key feature of the is a 520-metre low-pylon cable-stayed section, contributing to its record length.

Scheduled to be officially opened by President Samia Suluhu Hassan on 19 June, the project was fully financed by the government and was built by a joint venture between two Chinese companies, China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation and China Railway 15th Bureau. Before, travel across this part of Lake Victoria depended on ferries, thereby adding up to three hours to journey times.

The construction of the bridge began back in 2019 and it was first named the Kigongo-Busisi Bridge.

However, it was later renamed in honour of late President John Pombe Magufuli, who launched the project before his death.

The bridge is a key component of a broader 55-mile motorway project linking Mwanza, which is Tanzania's second largest city, to the surrounding mining towns like Usagara, Sengerema, and Geita.

By reducing transport time and lowering costs, the bridge is expected to boost activity in key sectors in the area which include mining, agriculture, fishing, and tourism.

The Minister for Works, Abdallah Ulega, said: "The JP Magufuli Bridge stands as a powerful symbol of our country's capacity to mobilize domestic resources for transformative infrastructure.

"It will ease travel between Kigongo and Busisi, reduce dependence on ferry transport, and unlock the vast economic potential of the Lake Zone."

The State Council of China said the bridge was built using innovative, environmentally friendly techniques, including a specially designed cofferdam that reduced the need for underwater concrete pours, reported.

The bridge is also expected to improve trade and boost economic ties between Tanzania and neighbouring countries like Rwanda, Burundi, or Uganda.

With a load capacity of 180 tonnes and the ability to carry up to 1,600 vehicles at once, this bridge is set to completely transform the lives of those living and working in the area.