The announcement was made by the Regional Manager of the TARURA in Dar es Salaam, Engineer Geofrey Mkinga, who emphasized the transformative impact of the project on the region’s road network. According to Eng. Mkinga, the project is not only addressing critical infrastructure gaps but also playing a central role in improving the overall efficiency of transport systems across the city.
He explained that through TARURA, the Government is implementing extensive upgrades and maintenance works covering approximately 250 kilometers of roads at tarmac standard across all five districts of Dar es Salaam. The project, which costs around 516 billion Tanzanian shillings, is specifically designed to stimulate economic activities, facilitate trade, and enhance connectivity within the region.
Dar es Salaam, as Tanzania’s largest commercial hub and a rapidly growing metropolitan area, has long faced significant challenges related to road infrastructure. Rapid urbanization, population growth, and increased economic activities have placed immense pressure on existing transport systems, leading to congestion, poor road conditions, and inefficiencies in the movement of goods and people. The DMDP II project is therefore seen as a critical intervention aimed at modernizing the city’s infrastructure to meet current and future demands.
Eng. Mkinga provided detailed insights into the current state of the road network managed by TARURA in the region. He noted that Dar es Salaam has a total road network of approximately 5,057 kilometers. Of these, only 677 kilometers—equivalent to 13 percent—are paved with tarmac, while more than 2,500 kilometers, or about 50 percent of the network, consist of earth roads. This imbalance highlights the urgent need for infrastructure upgrades to improve accessibility and reliability.
The ongoing construction of tarmac roads is expected to significantly reduce the proportion of earth roads, thereby improving transportation services and reducing travel time. Additionally, the improved road infrastructure will help address persistent challenges such as traffic congestion, flooding, and poor drainage systems, which often disrupt movement and economic activities, especially during the rainy season.
One of the key benefits of the project is its potential to create employment opportunities. The construction works have already generated jobs for local residents, contributing to income generation and poverty reduction. Moreover, the improved infrastructure is expected to attract further investments, stimulate business growth, and enhance the overall competitiveness of Dar es Salaam as a commercial and industrial hub.
Despite challenges posed by seasonal rains, Eng. Mkinga assured the public that the project is progressing well and remains on track. He revealed that the implementation has already reached over 80 percent completion, with many roads expected to be finalized and opened for use between August and October 2026, while others will be completed by April 2027.
Among the key roads highlighted in the project are the Banana–Kivule Road and Mbezi Msumi Road, which have long been sources of concern for residents due to their poor condition. These roads, once completed, are expected to significantly improve accessibility and reduce travel difficulties experienced by commuters and businesses operating in those areas.
In addition, major improvements are being undertaken in Kariakoo, one of the busiest commercial districts in Dar es Salaam. Historically, many roads in Kariakoo have been difficult to navigate, especially during rainy periods when mud and water accumulation hinder movement. The ongoing upgrades aim to transform these roads into reliable transport routes that support the high volume of trade and commercial activities in the area.
Eng. Mkinga emphasized that the improvements are not limited to a few areas but are being implemented across multiple parts of the region. This comprehensive approach ensures that the benefits of the project are widely distributed, enhancing connectivity between residential, commercial, and industrial zones.
He also called on residents of Dar es Salaam to remain patient during the construction phase, acknowledging that infrastructure projects of this scale can cause temporary inconveniences. However, he assured the public that the long-term benefits far outweigh the short-term challenges.
Furthermore, Eng. Mkinga urged citizens to take an active role in safeguarding the newly constructed infrastructure once completed. He stressed the importance of community ownership and responsibility in maintaining roads to ensure their durability and sustainability. Proper use and maintenance of infrastructure, he noted, are essential for maximizing the return on investment and ensuring that the benefits are enjoyed for many years.
Residents from different parts of Dar es Salaam have expressed their appreciation for the Government’s efforts to improve road infrastructure. In separate interviews, many citizens highlighted the positive impact that the project is already having on their daily lives. They noted that improved roads will enhance transportation efficiency, reduce vehicle maintenance costs, and create a more conducive environment for business operations.
For many small business owners, particularly those operating in markets and trading centers, better road infrastructure means easier access for customers and suppliers. This, in turn, translates into increased business opportunities and higher incomes. Similarly, transport operators expect reduced travel times and lower fuel consumption, which will improve profitability and service delivery.
The project also has significant social implications. Improved road infrastructure enhances access to essential services such as healthcare, education, and emergency response. For instance, better roads enable faster transportation of patients to hospitals and facilitate the delivery of medical supplies. Students also benefit from improved access to schools, particularly in areas that were previously difficult to reach.
In addition to addressing immediate transportation challenges, the DMDP II project aligns with broader national development goals aimed at promoting sustainable urbanization. By investing in modern infrastructure, the Government is preparing Dar es Salaam to accommodate future growth while minimizing the negative impacts of urban expansion.
The project also reflects Tanzania’s commitment to adopting integrated urban planning approaches that consider transportation, land use, environmental sustainability, and economic development. Improved drainage systems incorporated into road construction will help mitigate flooding, a recurring issue in many parts of the city. This not only protects infrastructure but also enhances the resilience of communities against climate-related challenges.
As the project moves toward completion, it is expected to significantly transform the urban landscape of Dar es Salaam. The upgraded road network will not only improve mobility but also enhance the city’s attractiveness as a destination for investment, tourism, and business activities.
In conclusion, the allocation of over 517 billion Tanzanian shillings for road infrastructure development under the DMDP II project represents a landmark investment in the future of Dar es Salaam. Through the leadership of institutions such as TARURA, the Government is addressing critical infrastructure challenges and unlocking new opportunities for economic growth and social development.
As construction progresses and more roads are completed, the positive impacts of this initiative will become increasingly evident. From reduced congestion and improved transport efficiency to enhanced business opportunities and better quality of life, the benefits of this transformative project are set to be far-reaching.
Ultimately, the success of the project will depend not only on its completion but also on the collective efforts of Government, stakeholders, and citizens to maintain and protect the infrastructure. With continued commitment and collaboration, Dar es Salaam is poised to become a more connected, efficient, and vibrant city, capable of supporting Tanzania’s long-term development ambitions.
abdul Ramadhani Tanzania.
