200 BRT buses to begin operations on Mbagala route in December
What you need to know:
- According to Tanzania Road Agency (Tanroads) BRT project manager Barakael Mmari, the project’s Phase II was nearly finished as of December 12, 2023, with only the installation of traffic lights pending.
Dar es Salaam. Over 200 Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) buses are expected to start operating on the Mbagala route in December, CCM’s secretary for ideology and publicity Amos Makalla has announced.
Mr. Makalla made this announcement on Thursday, August 29, 2024, during a public rally at the Maturubai Grounds in Temeke District, where he addressed residents as part of the conclusion of his 10-day tour of five districts in the Dar es Salaam Region.
"The construction of the BRT infrastructure was completed some time ago when I was the regional commissioner here in Dar es Salaam.
As your spokesperson, I have made follow-ups and received reports confirming that the procurement of the 200 buses is in its final stages," Mr. Makalla stated.
He emphasized that the ruling CCM party has been in discussions with the government about the project’s progress and has received assurances that the buses will begin operations in December.
The Citizen’s sister newspaper, Mwananchi, contacted Athuman Kihamia, CEO of the Dar es Salaam Rapid Transit Agency (DART), who confirmed that Mr. Makalla's statement is a government directive.
"As a senior CCM leader, Mr. Makalla's statement reflects government policy. I wouldn’t affirm something that doesn’t exist," Kihamia said.
The $159.32 million (Sh285.1 billion) project, executed by China’s Sinahydro Constructions Limited (SCL), is reportedly 98 percent complete and was expected to be handed over to the government in October 2023.
According to Tanzania Road Agency (Tanroads) BRT project manager Barakael Mmari, the project’s Phase II was nearly finished as of December 12, 2023, with only the installation of traffic lights pending.
On May 4, 2024, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the President's Office Regional Administration and Local Government (PO-RALG) rejected a proposal to delay the start of services until February 2025, stating that this timeline was too far off.
The committee instructed DART to ensure the project begins operations within the year, given that the infrastructure was 98.9 percent complete at that time.
During a project tour, Dr. Kihamia informed committee members that the institution was awaiting the contractor's delivery of the buses.
In a related development, Mr. Makalla urged PO-RALG and Tanroads to collaborate on resolving issues related to stalls for petty traders to ensure a smooth commencement of BRT operations.
"As part of the government, I urge you to work together to resolve conflicts so that the rapid transit services can thrive and petty traders can conduct their business effectively," Mr. Makalla said.
Former Chadema member Reverend Peter Msigwa also addressed the rally, encouraging Dar es Salaam residents to support CCM.
"I have left Chadema and now urge you not to make the same mistake by joining opposition parties," said Reverend Msigwa, the former Chadema Nyasa Zone chairman, which includes Mbeya, Njombe, Iringa, Songwe, and Rukwa regions.
