IT is unquestionable that the government works to bring development to the people. This crucial responsibility becomes more sensitive as government leaders are elected based on their promises to address various challenges in the society.

Sometimes governments face challenges that prevent them from fulfilling some of the promises. In such situations, leaders may resort to lengthy explanations to justify why certain projects have not been completed as planned. A better solution could be to involve citizens in the decision-making process.

Talking of development in a country like Tanzania one cannot leave behind roads especially those in rural areas since they are crucial in promoting socio-economic development. Raw materials can get to industries if roads are passable throughout the year. To ensure efficiency and reliable supply of raw materials to the factories, roads from farms should be properly constructed. However, for basic goods and services to reach normal citizens, there should be a good network of roads.

The government established the Tanzania Rural and Urban Roads Authority (TARURA) tasking it to deal with roads which are not under the Tanzania National Roads Agency (TANROADS). Establishment of an institution is one thing, but ensuring it achieves the targeted goals is yet another important aspect. It is clear that financial resources in most of the developing countries like Tanzania are scarce. This can be evidenced by the growth of the national debt which the Minister for Finance and Planning, Mwigulu Nchemba is less worried about it as the money is directed on implementation of development projects.

It is true that the government is obliged to construct roads in rural areas but findings shows that in some areas citizens are not satisfied with the degree of maintenance or construction done by the government. There are always a lot of complaints that most of the roads are damaged a few months after they are constructed. The situation has made leaders in some places to mobilize citizens to contribute funds for roads maintenance. The practice may be right as people are made to believe that development must come from people. 

But for quick socio-economic development, the government needs to make it formal that it is lawful for citizens to participate in maintenance of rural roads in collaboration with the government. When citizens become aware of their right to be involved in maintenance of rural roads their participation may increase leading to quick results. 

Involvement of locals in construction of rural roads has a number of benefits which includes, promoting patriotism. Citizens have to love their country; one way of loving it is by incurring cost on it. When citizens contribute for development of their country, they are considered as more patriotic. Citizens must feel proud to participate in execution of development projects. The love for the country by citizens simplifies the work of leaders towards bringing development. Citizens need to do things willingly and not by force.

The other benefit is protection of the country's infrastructure; when citizens are fully involved in construction projects, incidences of vandalism drop significantly. To ensure the country benefits fully from its infrastructure investments, the assets must be durable. Vandalism necessitates costly repairs, diverting funds from other essential projects. To end the problem, it is suggested that citizens contribute to construction of roads infrastructures. Their involvement fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility, thus encouraging people to protect and maintain the specific assets.

Ensuring rural roads are passable year-round significantly improves people’s social welfare as they benefit from reliable access to hospitals, markets and schools. Passable roads, regardless of weather conditions, are crucial for the effective delivery of basic social services. By maintaining and improving rural roads, the government supports the well-being and comfort of its citizens.

Sometimes people are discouraged to effectively engage in agricultural production which is the backbone of the country’s economy due to lack of markets for their produce which is somehow contributed with poor road networks. When individuals engage in agricultural production they ensure food security and can sell the agricultural produce to markets of their choice.

Roads are important when citizens are determined to ensure socio-economic development. For the country to have remarkable and quick development strides, the government should act as a facilitator whereby the citizens become key players. 

The power of the government should be on influencing people to work for their development. Good policies for development of a country can rapidly uplift socio-economic development.

The author is a teacher based in Moshi. He can be reached at lyimo.thomas@yahoo.com