Dar City sees a new dawn in the 138bn/- DMDPP II roads project  

DAR ES SALAAM: A massive road upgrade covering more than 56 kilometres is underway in Ilala Municipality, promising to ease transport bottlenecks, cut travel costs, and unlock economic activity in key suburbs.

The Tanzania Rural and Urban Roads Agency (TARURA) launched the construction of tarmac and concrete roads worth 138bn/- under the second phase of the Dar es Salaam Metropolitan Development Project Phase II

Speaking during an inspection tour in Kivule, Dar es Salaam, Ilala District, Acting TARURA Manager, Engineer Grayson Nzunda, said the works go beyond roads to include storm water drainage systems, culverts, pedestrian walkways, street lighting, and road markings.

Elaborating, the manager said that the Kivule–Majohe Junction road (2.79km) is being built to concrete standards, while the Kitunda–Kivule–Msongola road (9.95km) is being upgraded to tarmac.

Additionally, he noted that the section alone, which consists of the construction of 12 kilometres of roads, costs 30bn/-.

“Once these roads are completed, they willl significantly improve accessibility to social services while reducing transport and logistics costs. The routes will also serve as alternative bypasses for motorists heading to Chanika and Majohe during heavy congestion on main highways,”he said.

Commenting on the projects, residents showed their enthusiasm, noting that the project is already raising hopes of economic revival.

Ms Vicky Shayo, a trader in Kitunda, said poor road conditions—especially during the rainy season—had driven customers away due to mud and flooding.

“People used to fall because of slippery roads, and business suffered. With these improvements, we expect more customers and better income,” she said.

Another resident, Ms Maria Petro from Kivule, said access to healthcare had been a major challenge but is now improving as roads become passable.

“We used to struggle to reach hospitals, but now transport is becoming easier, even to places like Banana,” she said.

Karume Street Chairperson Hajibu China praised the government’s commitment, saying the improved infrastructure is already attracting new housing developments and will enhance security through the installation of street lights.

He commended President Samia Suluhu Hassan for prioritising infrastructure, noting that Ilala is on course for rapid transformation driven by improved road networks.