Relief for commuters as ‘Daladala’ services return to Zanzibar city centre

ZANZIBAR: COMMUTERS in Zanzibar City have expressed relief and gratitude following the government’s decision to reinstate ‘daladala’ (public minibus) services to the city centre, ending years of inconvenience.

The move comes after Zanzibar President Hussein Mwinyi issued a directive to lift restrictions that had previously barred minibuses from operating in the heart of the city.

Announcing the development, Urban West Regional Commissioner Idrisa Kitwana Mustafa said the restored service would be implemented with better organisation, including improvements to the Darajani terminal.

“We are bringing back the terminal with proper order and structure. President Mwinyi listens to the people, but citizens must also respect regulations to avoid congestion and maintain cleanliness,” he said.

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The main daladala terminal at Darajani was moved 15 years ago, forcing commuters, including travellers arriving from Dar es Salaam and Pemba, to walk over a kilometre to reach alternative terminals such as Kijangwani, Saateni, or Mnazi Mmoja Hospital.

“President Mwinyi has heard our cries. This decision will help the sick, mothers with children and people carrying heavy goods who suffered the most,” said Maryam Ali, a local trader at Darajani.

The decision is part of broader urban planning and Smart City reforms, which have been under implementation since Zanzibar attained official city status in 2019/2020.

Authorities are working to improve traffic flow, streamline public transport and curb unregulated street vending as part of ongoing efforts to modernise the city and enhance public services.