China-built John Pombe Magufuli Bridge inaugurated in Tanzania

Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan on Thursday inaugurated the John Pombe Magufuli Bridge, a major infrastructure project built by Chinese companies under the Belt and Road Initiative. Located on the southern shore of Lake Victoria, Africa's largest lake, the bridge spans 4.66 kilometers and features a dual four-lane carriageway. Built by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation and China Railway 15th Bureau Group Co., Ltd., the 520-meter-long main section is a three-tower, low-pylon cable-stayed structure.

The opening of the bridge marks the end of nearly 60 years of ferry operations between Busisi and Kigongo, offering local residents a long-awaited alternative.

Officials have said that the bridge is expected to significantly ease travel and logistics, improve transport efficiency, and boost regional development.

"I believe when this bridge comes to open, it will become an important link. It will promote the national development, improve the life of people here and people lives nearby, logistics, transportation of vehicles, goods and efficiency of the transportation," said Katelula Salum Kaswaga, an official of Tanzania National Roads Agency.

In recent years, China and Tanzania have deepened cooperation through the Belt and Road Initiative, with projects in railways, bridges, and water infrastructure helping to transform the country. Many in Tanzania see the initiative as a major driver of development across Africa.

China-built John Pombe Magufuli Bridge inaugurated in Tanzania

Chinese President Xi Jinping has urged pooling the strength of overseas Chinese and those who have returned to China to contribute to building China into a strong country and advancing national rejuvenation.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks in an instruction on work related to Chinese nationals overseas.

Xi called for fully implementing the Party's policies on work related to Chinese nationals overseas and encouraging overseas Chinese, as well as returned overseas Chinese and their families, to leverage their unique strengths in support of the cause of national reunification.

The national conference on work related to Chinese nationals overseas was held in Beijing from Monday to Tuesday, during which Xi's instruction was conveyed.

Wang Huning, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, attended the conference and delivered a speech.

Xi's instruction sets the direction and provides important guidance for work related to Chinese nationals overseas on the new journey in the new era, Wang said, urging efforts to promote the high-quality development in the field in the new era.

Xi urges pooling strength of overseas Chinese to help build strong country, advance national rejuvenation