Tanzania plants 150,000 trees in Dodoma to rejuvenate the capital

DODOMA: THE Tanzania National Roads Agency (TANROADS) is actively implementing a green initiative aimed at transforming Dodoma into a greener city by planting 150,000 trees along four outer ring roads through the Green Solution Project (GSP). The project is funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB).

Julius Luhuro, the Project Coordinator from TANROADS, stated that this is a strategic project designed to enhance the city’s resilience against the effects of climate change. He explained that TANROADS is overseeing the project in collaboration with various institutions, including the Dodoma City Council, TAFORI, TFS, TMA, and TBA.

According to Luhuro, the project is being implemented over three years in partnership with the National Service (JKT), Makutupora Camp. So far, 35,000 trees have been planted along the 112-kilometer outer ring road. To support tree survival, 11 boreholes have been drilled for irrigation, and a drip irrigation system is being used.

TANROADS’ Environmental and Social Manager, Zafarani Madayi, highlighted the agency’s broader commitment to tree planting across various road projects to promote environmental cleanliness. She urged the public to avoid dumping plastic waste, which blocks drainage systems and damages roads during the rainy season.

Captain Kosam Mwangupili, who leads the tree planting operation from JKT Makutupora, said the exercise began from Nala to Mahomanyika, covering 20 kilometers. So far, 18,000 trees of various species have been planted, including fruit, shade, and ornamental trees. However, he noted a major challenge: residents allowing livestock to roam and damage the planted areas by trampling or grazing on the young trees.

Captain Mwangupili called on the public to protect the trees, emphasizing that the government has invested significant resources in the project, which will yield both environmental and economic benefits, such as fruit production.

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Engineer Chacha Marwa from the Ministry of Works, under the Safety and Environment Department, said the project aligns with the Environmental Management Act of 2024 (Section 75), the Roads Act (Section 30), the 2009 regulations, and the 2021 Environmental Policy. He also noted that the project fulfills commitments under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, which addresses greenhouse gas reduction.

In celebration of World Environment Day, TANROADS, in collaboration with the Ministry of Works, planted 150 trees in the Veyula area on June 4, 2025. This was part of a series of events taking place in Dodoma from June 1 to June 5, 2025.