Dar RC unveils bold plan to ease city congestion

DAR ES SALAAM: DAR ES SALAAM Regional Commissioner, Albert Chalamila, has unveiled a raft of measures to curb traffic congestion in the city, including a crackdown on illegal truck parking and plans to regulate cargo vehicle entry into the city centre.

Speaking to journalists, Mr Chalamila said worsening traffic jams in Dar es Salaam are driven by several factors, notably disorderly parking of trucks along major roads. He said the problem is not the number of trucks, but how they are parked, with many left in undesignated areas, blocking the smooth flow of traffic.

“You may have many trucks operating in an orderly manner without any problem, but when they are parked haphazardly along the roads, it becomes a major challenge,” he said.

He cited Mandera, Kilwa and Nyerere roads among areas affected by prolonged truck parking, causing unnecessary congestion.

Mr Chalamila said a special operation to remove improperly parked trucks will start on August 17, 2026, requiring all owners to relocate vehicles from road reserves to designated parking areas.

He warned that defaulters will face legal action, including vehicle impounding and fines.

The government also plans to expand service roads to improve traffic flow and eliminate misuse.

Mr Chalamila said discussions are ongoing with the Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA) on allowing cargo trucks to access the city centre at night only.

He proposed that trucks be stationed in designated areas outside the city, including Mlandizi, and be called in on schedule to access the port.

He stressed that investors must comply with regulations, including securing adequate parking space before operating.

“To operate depots or ICDs, one must have at least 4,000 square metres of land, part of which should be used for parking,” he said.

The measures are expected to significantly ease congestion and improve transport efficiency in the city.

Mr Chalamila said the region is also implementing major infrastructure projects to improve transport, address flooding and strengthen Dar es Salaam’s role as the country’s commercial hub.

He said over 97bn/- has been allocated for construction of the Jangwani Bridge, alongside other projects including Kigogo-Mkwajuni, Nguva River, Mzinga River, the bridge near the National Defence College and Kunduchi Bridge.

He said the projects will deliver lasting benefits and boost economic activity.

Mr Chalamila added that construction of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) roads is ongoing, acknowledging public concern over excavations in several areas.

“It is true many roads have been excavated because we have no time. The time is now,” he said.

On business, he said the government welcomes foreign investment but is determined to ensure Tanzanians benefit from economic opportunities.

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He said a blueprint is in place to guide foreign investment, urging investors to focus on productive sectors such as manufacturing rather than smallscale retail.

“If we need a pharmacy, we expect a foreign investor to establish a pharmaceutical factory, not operate a retail shop,” he said.

He said similar principles apply across sectors, including manufacturing, while Tanzanians engage in trading activities.

Mr Chalamila said a special operation will also begin on August 17 to ensure foreign traders comply with investment and business regulations.

He warned that those found engaging in unauthorised retail or hawking will face legal action.

He also called on journalists to support national reconciliation efforts, stressing that peace is vital for the country’s development and stability.

“There is no other country we have apart from Tanzania. Let us nurture it, serve it and promote it as a good place for all,” he said.