Magomeni Kota: From national pride to neglect in just three years

The Sh52 billion government project, managed by the Tanzania Building Agency (TBA), was meant to transform the lives of low-income families displaced during earlier redevelopment. Instead, residents now face broken lifts, persistent water shortages, and security concerns, with many blaming a culture of neglect and lack of accountability within the community.

Signs of decline

From a distance, the buildings still look impressive. But a closer look reveals the wear and tear of poor upkeep: peeling paint, cracked floor tiles, vandalised walls, and blocked stairwells that reek of urine—evidence of children using common areas as toilets.

“The deterioration is heartbreaking,” said one resident, speaking on condition of anonymity. “People refuse to contribute even Sh30,000 a month for cleaning, security, and utilities. That’s where the problems start.”

Once-beautiful gardens have disappeared, now trampled into muddy paths as residents fetch water from wells. Buckets and jerrycans line the walkways. Lifts designed to ease mobility are routinely used to ferry water to upper floors, leading to frequent breakdowns.

Water crisis and infrastructure theft

Initially, water flowed to all floors. Today, it reaches only the ground level due to damage and theft of pipes and taps. Although utility bills were cleared, the system remains unreliable.

In a 2024 visit, Water Minister Jumaa Aweso promised individual meters for each unit to address billing disputes. Yet, residents say the project has stalled, further deepening frustrations.

More alarming are thefts of rooftop water pipes and lightning arrestor cables. “Even secure rooftops aren’t spared,” said George Abel, chairperson of the residents’ association. “Theft like this suggests internal collusion. All five blocks lost their infrastructure, not just one.”

According to Abel, these acts diminish the dignity of a project many had waited years to benefit from. “These homes were a gift. We must hold ourselves accountable.”

Growing insecurity

The complex has also seen a rise in petty theft. Shoes left at doorsteps and clothes hung out to dry are routinely stolen. Residents now guard their laundry or avoid leaving items outside altogether.

“Thieves don’t break in for TVs anymore,” said a local leader. “They want phones, laptops, cash—things they can sneak past the gate during the day.”

Residents suspect jobless youth, often known within the estate, as the main culprits.

Management breakdown

TBA is mandated to oversee maintenance for the first five years. But residents say the agency has failed to respond effectively. A lack of formal cleaning services has left stairways filthy. Past cleaning efforts were reportedly abandoned after many tenants refused to contribute.

“There’s no structure here,” said Abel. “Cleaning contracts are awarded through personal networks, not professionalism. That’s why there’s no accountability.”

Efforts to reach TBA officials were unsuccessful. However, Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Works, Dr. Charles Msonde, told Mwananchi the ministry had instructed TBA to investigate.

“We need to ensure the environment is safe and clean,” he said. “TBA must provide answers on the damage and the way forward.”

A lost opportunity?

When President Samia inaugurated the buildings in March 2022, she praised the quality and design, urging residents to maintain cleanliness and order.

Three years later, her vision appears to have faltered—not because of poor construction, but due to human choices.

“This is about mindset,” said another resident. “Government can build homes, but it can’t build discipline. That’s on us.”