Tanzania injects 517bn/- for DMDP II road projects

DAR ES SALAAM: THE Tanzanian government has injected more than 517bn/- into road infrastructure upgrades in Dar es Salaam under the second phase of the Dar es Salaam Metropolitan Development Project (DMDP II), in a major push to ease transport bottlenecks and accelerate economic growth.

This was announced by the Tanzania Rural and Urban Roads Agency (TARURA) Regional Manager, Engineer Geofrey Mkinga in Dar es Salaam, noting that the project is already delivering significant gains in addressing long-standing road infrastructure challenges across the city.

Elaborating, he stated that TARURA is currently upgrading and maintaining about 250 kilometres of roads to tarmac standard across all five districts of the region, at a cost of 516bn/- aimed at boosting business activities and improving urban mobility.

Additionally, he said that TARURA in Dar es Salaam manages a road network of 5,057 kilometres, of which only 677 kilometres, equivalent to 13 percent, are paved.

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He also said that more than 2,500 kilometres, about 50 percent, are unpaved  roads,

“The ongoing upgrades will reduce the proportion of earth roads, improve transport and drainage systems, ease traffic congestion, mitigate flooding and create jobs while stimulating economic growth,”he said.

Moreover, the Manager noted that despite weather-related setbacks, implementation has surpassed 80 percent, with most roads expected to be completed and opened to traffic between August and October 2026, extending to April 2027.

He cited key roads such as Banana–Kivule and Mbezi Msumi, which have long drawn public outcry, as nearing completion within the stated timeline.

“Improvements are also underway in the bustling commercial hub of Kariakoo, where poor road conditions have previously disrupted business activities,” he said.

Furthermore, he urged residents to remain patient during the construction period and to take responsibility for safeguarding the infrastructure once completed to ensure durability and long-term benefits.

Residents, speaking separately, commended the government for the ongoing upgrades, expressing optimism that improved roads will enhance transport and logistics while unlocking broader economic and social opportunities across the city.