Kigamboni, once a sleepy corner of Dar, has transformed into a bustling district with a booming population and economic activity.

The new ferries address a pressing need, but they fall short of tackling the larger issues that come with such rapid growth.

This issue opens up a broader conversation about waterway transport and waterfront development in Dar.

The opportunities presented by Kigamboni and its connection to the rest of the city are immense, yet they remain underutilised.

The arrival of the new ferries will be accompanied by the improvement of the waiting areas – a much-needed upgrade.

For years, the ferry service has been purely utilitarian, with little regard for passenger experience.

While the ferry ride itself is short, the overall journey could benefit greatly from a touch of modernity and thoughtfulness.

Comfortable waiting lounges, streamlined ticketing systems, and aesthetically pleasing designs can turn an ordinary commute into an enjoyable experience.

A city like Dar deserves nothing less.

Kigamboni is, in many ways, an extension of Dar’s city centre—separated only by the waters of the harbour.

A short while ago, it was a sparsely developed district, but today, its rapid growth is evident in the near-constant traffic congestion and rising real estate developments.

Despite its potential, Kigamboni has not received the attention it deserves in terms of planning and infrastructure.

Kigamboni’s integration with the rest of Dar remains suboptimal.

The construction of the Nyerere Bridge was a landmark achievement, but more needs to be done to ensure Kigamboni is fully integrated into Dar’s urban fabric.

With just a 20-minute commute from Kigamboni to the city centre by ferry, Kigamboni can play a transformative role in the Dar’s development.

Yet, this potential remains untapped, held back by poor planning.

While Azam Ferries may help reduce waiting times, the issue of congestion extends far beyond the terminals.

On the Kigamboni side, congestion begins immediately after passengers disembark and continues for several kilometres, highlighting a deeper problem that adding more ferries alone cannot solve.

A major flaw in the current system is the lack of integration between ferries and other modes of transport.

On the Magogoni side, passengers benefit from convenient connections to buses and the DART system, enabling relatively smooth onward travel.

The same cannot be said for Kigamboni, leaving commuters struggling to reach their destinations efficiently.

A more visionary approach would involve developing additional ferry terminals further along the coastline—places like Kipepeo, Geza-Ulole, and beyond.

These terminals would not only ease congestion at Kigamboni but also open up new areas for development.

By creating transport nodes along the coast, the city could integrate waterfront spaces into its urban plan, offering residents and visitors alike new ways to connect with Dar’s natural beauty.

Addressing this requires a holistic approach.

Ferry terminals on the Kigamboni side should be integrated with well-planned bus routes, hopefully, BRT extensions, and even cycling lanes.

Such a system would not only improve the efficiency of the transport network but also encourage more people to use the ferries, reducing pressure on roads.

The Magogoni-Kigamboni route is a prime location with unparalleled tourist potential.

The breathtaking views of Dar’s skyline, the historic landmarks like the Azania Front Cathedral, St Joseph Cathedral, the Kilimanjaro Hotel, the Supreme Court, and the bustling Dar Port make this route a unique asset.

Yet, the ferry service is treated merely as a means of transport, ignoring the opportunity to create a memorable experience for passengers.

Tourism should be at the forefront of any development plan for Kigamboni and its waterways. Imagine ferries designed for sightseeing, equipped with rooftop seating for panoramic views, or terminals featuring cafes, shops, and cultural exhibitions.

The integration of tourism into the ferry system could transform Kigamboni into a major attraction, boosting the local economy and elevating Dar’s profile in general.

The solution is not just about ferries; it is about creating highways on water, complete with all the infrastructure and services that such developments entail.

Modern, state-of-the-art terminals could serve as hubs of activity, featuring malls, hotels, office spaces, and apartments.

These terminals would not only serve passengers but also act as catalysts for waterfront development.

By planning with tourism, urban integration, and economic development in mind, Dar could unlock the full potential of its coastline.

The city’s waterways could become vibrant arteries of activity, connecting people and places while showcasing the best of what Dar has to offer.

Dar’s potential cannot be unleashed by these paper-over-the-cracks approaches.

The introduction of new ferries should be seen as the beginning of a broader vision for Dar’s waterways – which I hope exists somewhere.

By combining transport solutions with waterfront development, Dar can redefine itself as a city that offers unparalleled experiences for residents and visitors alike.