Tanzanian parliament wants the Dart-Udart dispute resolved
What you need to know:
- Under the operational agreement between Dart and Udart for the rapid bus transit project, Udart is responsible for collecting fares and paying a dividend to Dart but it has not ben doing so
Dar es Salaam. The parliamentary committee on Local Government Affairs (LAAC) has urged the government to facilitate the resolution of a dispute between the Dar Rapid Transit (Dart) Agency and Usafiri Dar es Salaam Rapid Transit (Udart).
The disagreement centres on Udart's failure to remit a portion of the collected revenue to Dart, hindering the agency’s implementation of the Finance Act 2024.
LAAC chairperson, Mr Justin Nyamoga, said the committee understands that the Parliament passed the Finance Act in June 2024, which authorised Dart to implement its budget.
The Act stipulates that part of Dart’s revenue should come from fares collected by Udart.
Mr Nyamoga explained that under the operational agreement between Dart and Udart for the rapid bus transit project, Udart is responsible for collecting fares and paying a dividend to Dart.
“However, the committee has found that Udart has not been remitting the required amount, as stipulated in the agreement. This failure is hindering Dart’s budget implementation, he said.
“The committee advises the government to mediate between the two parties and facilitate dialogue to resolve the dispute, ensuring that the Finance Act, 2024, is implemented as planned,” added Mr Nyamoga.
He emphasised that failing to honour the agreement is an offence and that this disruption is hindering Dart’s operations, thereby affecting efforts to improve BRT transportation in Dar es Salaam.
“The Parliament insists that the government resolve this dispute swiftly to enable Dart to fulfil its responsibilities effectively,” Mr Nyamoga said.
Additionally, the Parliament has instructed the government to prepare a Bill to establish a proper system for managing urban public transportation.
“The ministry has informed the committee that the government has completed a Cabinet Paper for the proposed Urban Public Transportation Law,” he said.
Buses operate on a bus rapid transit (BRT) route in Dar es Salaam. A parliamentary committee has asked the government to mediate between DART and UDART dispute. PHOTO | FILE
The document is currently with the Cabinet Secretariat, and after undergoing various stages, it will be presented to the Parliament.
Earlier, Mr Nyamoga said the committee reviewed reports on Dart’s performance in addressing Dar es Salaam’s transportation challenges.
He noted that the agency has been performing well, providing essential services and contributing to the national revenue.
Dart has contributed Sh723.75 billion over the past four years to government coffers, which Mr Nyamoga said demonstrates the agency’s sustainability.
