Councilors propose division of Dodoma City constituency

Dodoma. The Dodoma City Council has proposed dividing the expansive Dodoma City Constituency into two separate electoral constituencies in a move aimed at improving service delivery and addressing the growing needs of its population.

The proposal, if approved, is designed to bring vital social services closer to citizens and streamline their access to government resources.

Albert Kasoga, the Dodoma City Election Officer, presented the proposal at the City Council meeting on Wednesday, March 12, 2026, where he emphasized that the decision to divide the constituency was made after careful consideration of factors that would balance economic growth and service access across both new constituencies.

The objective, Kasoga explained, was to ensure that neither constituency was economically disadvantaged or underserved by this division.

The proposed division will create two constituencies: Dodoma Eastern Constituency and Dodoma Western Constituency, each with distinct geographic and demographic characteristics.

The Dodoma Eastern Constituency will cover an area of 1,187.9 square kilometers, with 412,000 voters, 20 wards, 99 streets, 59 primary schools, 25 secondary schools, four health centers, and 20 dispensaries. 

Meanwhile, the Dodoma Western Constituency will span 1,290.6 square kilometers, with 385,000 voters, 21 wards, 123 streets, 49 primary schools, 21 secondary schools, five health centers, and 21 dispensaries.

The councilors have also recommended naming the constituencies: Mtumba Constituency (Dodoma East) and Dodoma City Constituency (Dodoma West). The names are reflective of the geographical and administrative divisions within the city.

The decision to divide the constituency stems from the increasing demands placed on the existing system, with one constituency trying to manage a sprawling urban area with complex logistical needs. Wards such as Majengo, Kizota, Chamwino, and Mbalawala, in Dodoma West, are some of the most densely populated areas in the city, each with unique challenges related to infrastructure, education, and health services.

On the other hand, Mtumba, Makole and Msalato in Dodoma East have been undergoing rapid growth and urbanization, leading to their own distinct needs in terms of public services and development.

Councilors argue that the proposed split will provide more effective representation, as each constituency will be smaller and more manageable, allowing for better oversight and quicker response times to local issues.

"With 41 wards in the current Dodoma City Constituency, we are serving a vast and diverse population. Dividing the constituency will allow each new constituency to better address its individual challenges," said Wendo Kutusha, a Special Seats Councilor.

Kutusha further explained that the current structure of one large constituency with numerous wards makes it difficult for government services to reach every corner of the city effectively.

"Many of these wards, despite being registered, do not receive the same level of attention or resources as others. By dividing the constituency, we can ensure a more equitable distribution of services and make it easier for citizens to access them," she added.

Councilors also pointed out that the new structure would enable better allocation of resources, particularly in sectors such as health and education.

The sprawling nature of the current constituency means that some areas, particularly those in the periphery, struggle to access basic services like healthcare, schools, and even roads. With smaller constituencies, the hope is to foster a more targeted approach to development and infrastructure.

Kasoga emphasized that the proposal carefully considered population density, the number of wards, and service availability to avoid economic imbalances between the two constituencies. He noted that the needs of both urban and rural areas had been taken into account to create constituencies that can function effectively in both capacities.

In the broader context of Dodoma’s urbanization, the division of the constituency also highlights a growing concern about balancing development across the region. With Dodoma transitioning into Tanzania’s designated political capital, the city is seeing rapid population growth, and with that, an increasing demand for services.

 The proposed division reflects the government’s intent to ensure that this growth is met with adequate resources and attention, rather than overloading a single constituency with too many competing needs.

Although the proposal has been met with optimism by many councilors, there are some concerns about the potential for disruption, particularly among residents who may feel disconnected from their representatives if the division is not carefully implemented.