New road construction tech shows promise

CHAMWINO: THE modern Ecoroads technology has demonstrated significant promise in a six-month trial period.
Ecoroads, a multi-enzyme-based soil stabilisation product, enhances the strength, density and durability of roads, road bases, and construction site foundations efficiently and economically.

Deputy Permanent Secretary in the President’s Office (Regional Administration and Local Government) in charge of infrastructure, Engineer Rogatus Mativila, said the technology has shown positive results so far.

Speaking after inspecting the road constructed with the technology in Chamwino District, Dodoma, stretching 6.95 kilometres, Mativila said the technology is also being tested in various districts across the country and is implemented by the Tanzania Rural and Urban Roads Agency (TARURA).

“The purpose of inspecting this road in Chamwino is to observe the success of this modern technology in soil stabilisation before applying the top layer of asphalt, which is implemented by TARURA,” he said.
He added that the technology is also being tested in Mufindi, Rufiji and other areas to evaluate its potential use elsewhere, where it can reduce construction costs and time.

“This road appears to be sturdy…. another section stretching 1.3 kilometres has not been asphalted, but the soil has been mixed with the enzyme-based product and we are monitoring its performance,” he said.

He added, “We are doing this to see if it can last longer before covering it with a top layer that prevents water and other elements from penetrating. It has already been in place for six months and it remains strong, showing that the enzyme-based product is durable, and the raw materials are good.”

He noted that if the technology proves successful, it will be used extensively in the construction of roads managed by TARURA.

According to available information, the technology increases the strength, density, and durability of roads, road bases, and construction site foundations efficiently and economically.
It further says, using Ecoroads significantly reduces the carbon footprint of road construction by up to 75 per cent per kilometre.

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“This is achieved by eliminating the use of approximately 10,000 tonnes of mined rocks and aggregates, decreasing the number of equipment involved in the construction process, excluding over 500 truck trips and saving more than 3,000 litres of fuel.”

Information from the website reads in part TARURA Chief Executive Engineer Victor Seff said that the technology has already been applied in various areas, including the Ilazo-Dodoma Road (1 km), Sawaka-Mkonge-Iyegeya-Lulanda-Mufindi road (10.4 km) and Utete-Kingupila-Rufiji Road (32 km).

“Since the construction in Chamwino was completed, more than six months have passed, and the roads remain in good condition. We are now continuing to assess the success of this technology so that we can later advise the government on whether this technology should continue to be used in our road construction and maintenance,” he said.
He emphasised that the goal of using the technology is to reduce costs, shorten construction time and protect the environment.

Eng Seff added that despite the lower costs, there is still a difference compared to traditional way of construction, with the benefit of this technology being immediately visible in the shorter implementation time.

He cited the Chamwino road as an example, where the contract was for one year, but they managed to build and complete it within six months.

A mechanic from the Mshikamano neighbourhood, Songo Yusufu, mentioned that the new roads are much better than the previous ones.

The construction of these roads has made it easier for his customers to reach him, as the old road was dusty and full of potholes.