DAR ES SALAAM — Tanzanian President John Magufuli on April 19 inaugurated a $135 million Kigamboni Bridge built by Chinese in the commercial capital Dar es Salaam, saying the bridge will contribute to the country’s economic growth.

“The Chinese contractors have done a good job,” Magufuli told the Chinese ambassador to Tanzania, Lu Youqing.

The President thanked China for the excellent job done by China Railway Construction Engineering Group (CRCEG) in a joint venture with China Railway Major Bridge Group (CRMBG).

A part of the Kigamboni Bridge is seen in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on April 19, 2016. [Photo/Xinhua]

The CRCEG/CRMBG project manager, Zhang Bangxu, said they employed over 5,000 Tanzanians as local foremen and technicians who have gained on-job experience.

“They can now be able to manage projects of similar proportions,” said Zhang, adding that the construction of the bridge has given CRCEG and CRMBG credibility to undertake other construction works in the east African nation.

The 680 meter-long bridge, the first of its kind in east and central Africa, connects Dar es Salaam’s business district to Kigamboni creek.

Local people gather to attend the inauguration of Kigamboni Bridge in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on April 19, 2016. Tanzania’s new $135-million bridge connecting Kigamboni and Kurasini in the east African nation’s commercial capital Dar es Salaam, has left an indelible mark to local engineers. The project undertaken by China Railway Construction Engineering Group (CRCEG) in a joint venture with China Railway Major Bridge Group (CRMBG) was officially inaugurated by President John Magufuli on April 19. The 32-metre wide bridge has six lanes, three in each direction, and two pedestrian and cyclist lanes with a width of 2.5 metres, one on each side.[Photo/Xinhua]

The bridge, measured 32 meters in width, has six lanes, three in each direction. It also has two pedestrian and cyclist lanes with a width of 2.5 meters, one on each side.

The president said the bridge was also expected to boost the domestic tourism sector in the planned Kigamboni city, making it a holiday beach.

Magufuli declined an offer to name the bridge after his name and suggested that the bridge should be named Nyerere Bridge in recognition of the country’s founding leader -- Julius Nyerere.

The project was jointly funded by the Tanzanian government and the National Social Security Fund.

Tanzanian President John Magufuli (C) walks on the Kigamboni Bridge in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on April 19, 2016. [Photo/Xinhua]

Pedestrians walk on Kigamboni Bridge in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on April 19, 2016.[Photo/Xinhua]

Photo taken on April 18, 2016 shows vehicles traveling on Kigamboni Bridge Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. [Photo/Xinhua]

Two boatmen look at Kigamboni Bridge Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on April 19, 2016. [Photo/Xinhua]