The unused potential, lost opportunities and growing challenges of Magufuli Bus Terminal

However, three years later, much of this grand vision remains unfulfilled. A survey by The Citizen’s sister publication, Mwananchi, reveals that the terminal’s two lower floors, which were meant for offices, stores and other commercial activities, have largely remained unused.

Despite its prime location and heavy flow of passengers and vehicles, large parts of the terminal remain underutilised. The lower floors, once envisaged as a commercial hub, are eerily empty, with only essential services such as police offices, immigration and a health centre occupying a fraction of the space.

It has been 1,087 days since the terminal began operations on 24 February 2021, two days after its inauguration by the late fifth president, John Magufuli. However, significant portions of the terminal remain abandoned, as construction was halted midway, leaving the space vulnerable to theft and misuse. The terminal has now become a hideout for individuals engaging in activities far removed from its original purpose.

As a result of the slow pace of construction, some have resorted to stealing items such as electrical cables, leaving behind discarded clothes. Meanwhile, the Ubungo Municipal Council, which could have been generating significant revenue by leasing the space to businesses, has witnessed the infrastructure deteriorating, with damaged glass doors now evident.

The terminal currently serves over 1,000 buses and 280 taxis daily, providing parking for motorcycles, Bajaj, and food vendors, thus presenting considerable business opportunities. However, its potential remains largely untapped.

In March of the previous year, the former manager of the terminal, Isihaka Waziri, noted in a meeting with stakeholders that the terminal’s construction was 97 percent complete but had stalled after the contractor withdrew due to non-payment. 

The contractor, Hainan International Limited of China, had been awarded the job, and for the 2024/25 budget year, the Ubungo Municipal Council allocated Sh3.2 billion from local revenue to continue the project.

The total cost of constructing the terminal was Sh50.9 billion, with unfinished areas including the parking facilities, which, once completed, would accommodate nearly 3,500 buses and generate projected annual revenues of Sh10 billion. At the time, electronically collected revenue had grown from Sh3 million to Sh5 million per day.

Also read: Struggling amidst modernity: Why businesses are dissatisfied with Magufuli Bus Terminal

Current situation

Mwananchi had the opportunity to visit the unfinished lower floors to witness the situation firsthand. Some areas were covered in dried mud, likely from heavy rainfall, with no signs of cleaning. The area has become a makeshift toilet for some, with discarded clothes bearing witness to the neglect. Theft of cables, including copper, has continued, with stripped cables left as waste.

A security guard, who requested to remain anonymous, explained that the unfinished space had turned into a hideout for street children and thieves. "We’ve conducted raids to catch those loitering here, and occasionally the police come to chase them away. But patrols are infrequent, so criminals are able to time their actions," he said.

He also revealed that some leaders visiting the terminal are not shown the lower floors due to their incomplete state. They instead focus on the upper levels and other parts of the terminal.

Users’ views

Passenger Lawrence James, a resident of Tandika, expressed frustration at the lack of progress. "Leaving the area undeveloped is like wasting money that’s already been spent. It seems like there’s no strategic plan to finish it. If finances are an issue, they could hire someone to complete the work and run their business under specific agreements," he said.

James suggested that while setting up shops may be challenging for some, a bar could stimulate business at the terminal. "A business innovator like the one behind Kitambaa Cheupe or Samaki Samaki could really breathe life into the terminal. The question is, who’s coming up with these ideas?" he added.

However, Mariam Juma, a local resident, disagreed with the idea of a bar. "It could be problematic due to the proximity of a hospital and guesthouse. Perhaps they could ask the owner to install noise-reducing equipment to avoid disturbing patients and guests," she said. "Otherwise, it could be an inconvenience, despite the potential for business growth."

Also read: Magufuli bus terminal a home for the homeless

Leaders’ views

The manager of the Magufuli Bus Terminal, Mr Isaac Kasebo, referred inquiries about the situation to the Ubungo Municipal Director, Aron Kagurumjuli. When contacted for comment, Mr Kagurumjuli confirmed that construction is expected to resume this financial year, following the approval of the 2025/2026 budget.

"The plan to complete the area is ongoing, and funding for this year has been allocated. Once a contractor is appointed, they will resume the work," Mr Kagurumjuli said.

Regarding the inappropriate use of the area and measures to control access and theft, he stated that 24-hour security had been implemented to prevent unauthorised entry.

Also read: Magufuli Bus Terminal: Of low revenue amid huge potential

Initial plan

Originally, the seven-story building was intended not only to serve as a transit hub for buses travelling to and from various regions but also to include a hotel, hostel, relaxation gardens, and large retail spaces, according to the former Director of Dar es Salaam City, Sporah Liana.

To date, the terminal has only managed to complete a guesthouse. The promised gardens and hostel remain unrealised, as leaders continue to make promises that have yet to materialise.