DAR ES SALAAM, Oct. 28 (Xinhua) -- The Tanzanian army will reconstruct bridges that have been washed away by ongoing rains in some parts of the east African nation, an official said on Monday.
Twaha Mgaya, the chairman of Handeni district council in Tanga region, said the Tanzania People's Defense Forces will reconstruct about four damaged bridges in the district which have been washed away by the rains.
Handeni, Korogwe and Muheza districts in the coastal region of Tanga have been seriously affected by the rains that have destroyed roads, bridges, houses and farm crops.
Mgaya mentioned the broken bridges earmarked for reconstruction as Nderema bridge connecting Handeni and Kilindi districts and Kidereko bridge connecting Handeni district and Morogoro region.
The official mentioned other damaged bridges as Sindeni bridge connecting Handeni and Korogwe districts and Magamba bridge connecting Handeni district and Coast and Morogoro regions.
Martin Shigela, Tanga regional commissioner, said the reconstruction of the bridges will last one week and he urged people to be patient.
"I understand the damaged bridges have resulted in affecting your day to day chores, including businesses," said Shigela.
The ongoing rains in some parts of Tanzania have killed at least 44 people by Sunday.
Last week, the Tanzania Meteorological Agency (TMA) issued a third alert in one month, saying heavy rains were expected in parts of the country for five consecutive days beginning Friday.
TMA said the rains were expected to disrupt transport and delivery of social services, submerge houses and cause flash floods in some parts of the country.
