How Sh1 trillion project is set to transform the face of Dar

Dar es Salaam. Four contractors recently signed contracts for eight projects to commence the construction of 250 kilometres of paved roads in Dar es Salaam.

The road network will cover Ilala, Ubungo, Kinondoni, Temeke and Kigamboni districts as part of the second phase of the Dar es Salaam Metropolitan Development Project that will cost Sh1.1 trillion to implement.

The phase comprises four main components focused on climate change adaptation and solid waste management and includes the construction of roads, drainage systems, markets, bus stations and public spaces.

The project is being implemented under the supervision of the President’s Office for Regional Administration and Local Government (PO-RALG) through the Rural and Urban Roads Agency (Tarura) and is set to be completed within 15 months.

Speaking at the contract signing ceremony, DMDP director Humphrey Kanyenye said the project will build upon the groundwork laid by the first phase.

“We will improve priority infrastructure to provide essential services for the public, including roads, drainage systems, markets, bus stations and public spaces,” he said.

Mr Kanyenye highlighted that in solid waste management, they aim to invest in infrastructure for collection, transportation and disposal, including the construction of three modern waste management facilities.

“The project will enhance various solid waste management programmes, including contracts for waste collection and promote recycling efforts,” he said.

Mr Kenyenye elaborated on the funding sources, saying 67 percent of the funds secured from a World Bank loan and a grant from the Dutch government will go towards infrastructure, while 27 percent will focus on solid waste management.

Minister of State in the PO-RALG Mohamed Mchengerwa highlighted that the road construction will reduce congestion and enable people to engage in developmental activities more efficiently.

“When people can attend to their responsibilities promptly, it translates to rapid economic growth and we will help realise the goals and vision of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who aims to beautify Dar es Salaam,” he said.

While 207 kilometres of paved roads, 75 kilometres of trenches and 10 modern markets were built in the first phase, the project’s second phase will involve the construction of 250 kilometres of roads.

Mr Mchengerwa added that the project will also involve the construction of 75 kilometres of trenches, nine bus stations, 18 modern markets and three modern damping sites.

Some 9.02 kilometres will be constructed in the city centre at a cost of Sh30.3 billion and 9.16 kilometres in Kinondoni District for Sh22.0 billion.

Two roads in Ubungo totalling 14.66 kilometres will be built for Sh35.8 billion and 13.04 kilometres in Temeke at a cost of Sh50.0 billion.

Mr Mchengerwa said while Dodoma is the capital, Dar es Salaam must be recognised as the business centre and directed PO-RALG permanent secretary Adolf Ndubnguru to expedite the establishment of the Dar es Salaam City Management Authority (DCMA).

“We are developing Dar es Salaam to increase revenues as the population grows and we believe investors will come here for business. Therefore, the Permanent Secretary, the process of establishing the DCMA must be completed swiftly,” he said.

Mr Mchengerwa expressed his desire for Dar es Salaam to achieve the status by 2025, as the necessary infrastructure is being developed.

He underscored the need for prompt action as directives have already been given and experts are available to ensure timely completion.

Dar es Salaam should adhere to quality standards and for its growth to be coordinated through specific regulations rather than uncontrolled expansion, which could diminish its status, Mr Mchengerwa added.

He directed Mr Ndunguru to finalise the development process for previously problematic areas like the Msimbazi River valley by attracting investors.

The minister noted that the area encompasses 57 hectares and that the President had already issued directives for the construction of a ‘Metropolitan City’ to attract further investment and enhance the city’s appeal.

“All major cities around the world have a ‘Metropolitan City’ and we cannot have councils operating in isolation. There needs to be a central authority to coordinate efforts across all councils, allowing the city to grow to international standards.”

Mr Mchengerwa confirmed that there will be no extension period for the contractors involved in the eight signed contracts and called on the Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner to ensure they complete their work on time.

“This project will bring significant changes compared to the first phase, where 207 kilometres were constructed. I urge all MPs to supervise the contractors closely.”

Ubungo MP Kitila Mkumbo, said 21 roads will be constructed in his constituency, with the initial phase involving the building of nine roads.