Why Dar es Salaam is in middle of a road construction fenzy

Dar es Salaam. Residents of Dar es Salaam are grappling with the challenges posed by multiple major road construction projects that have commenced simultaneously across the city.

The extensive work, which includes phases of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, is causing significant disruptions, including dust, traffic congestionand detours.

But the Tanzania National Roads Agency (Tanroads) says the simultaneous start of these projects is due to the coordinated release of funds from development partners.

According to Tanroads, the loans for the projects were disbursed at the same time, necessitating the concurrent start of all roadworks.

The current construction involves several critical infrastructure upgrades: the third and fourth phases of the BRT projects, including the expansion of roads such as Gongo La Mboto to the City Centre, Uhuru Road from Tazara to Kariakoo-Gerezani, Bibi Titi Road and Morogoro Road from Kimara to Ubungo.

Residents and road users have voiced concerns about the timing and coordination of these projects, suggesting that they should have been executed in phases to minimize disruption.

The simultaneous construction has led to narrowed roads, increased dustand longer traffic queues, inconveniencing daily commuters and requiring rerouted public transportation services.

The BRT project manager, Mr Frank Mbilinyi, addressed these concerns, explaining that the simultaneous start was an unavoidable consequence of the synchronised loan disbursement.

“We call upon users to be patient while the contractors continue construction. It is important to respect road signs that have been put up and to drive slowly. Development cannot wait, so we must accept the current situation for better in the future,” he said.

The BRT Phase 3 Project, which involves the construction of a road from the City Centre to Gongolamboto, is currently 62 percent complete and is expected to finish next year.

The Morogoro Road widening, part of BRT Phase 1, has just begun with a total project cost exceeding $400 million. Additionally, BRT Phase 4 encompasses roadworks on Bagamoyo Road from the City Centre to Tegeta and Sam Nujoma Road from Mwenge to Ubungo, with the construction divided into two lots managed by separate contractors.

Despite the progress, some residents have expressed frustration. Suzan Kiula from Msasani noted the narrowness of Sam Nujoma Road and the inconvenience caused by the re-routing of public transport.

While we are not against development, the timing of these projects raises concerns about whether they will meet the required standards,” she said.

A senior lecturer in the Department of Transportation and Geotechnical Engineering at the University of Dar es Salaam, Dr John Elvis, acknowledged the development’s potential benefits but suggested that temporary routes could have been implemented to ease traffic disruptions during the construction phase.

Tanroads has urged the public to remain patient and adhere to road signs and diversion routes to facilitate the ongoing work.

The agency – which responsible for the maintenance and development of the trunk and regional road network in Tanzania Mainland – remains optimistic that once completed, the infrastructure upgrades will significantly enhance public transportation and contribute to economic growth in Dar es Salaam and the country at large.