Minister says it's illogical to see citizens stuck in traffic jams while fully constructed BRT lanes remain empty. Photo; Courtesy
By The Respondent reporter
Dar es Salaam— The Minister of Works, Innocent Bashungwa, on October 22, 2024, urged the Regional Commissioner of Dar es Salaam, Albert Chalamila, to meet with the Dar es Salaam Rapid Transit (Dart) Agency, the police, and the Tanzania National Roads Agency (Tanroads) to coordinate a plan allowing the public to use completed but unused lanes designated for the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system.
The initiative aims to alleviate traffic congestion, especially during peak hours in the morning and evening. Some sections of the BRT infrastructure have been completed but remain unused, awaiting the arrival of buses for the service.
Bashungwa made the call during a press briefing in Dar es Salaam. He stated that it's illogical to see citizens stuck in traffic jams while fully constructed BRT lanes remain empty. He emphasized the need for a temporary arrangement that could help ease the flow of vehicles, particularly during rush hours.
"I urge the Regional Commissioner to coordinate this matter. It doesn’t make sense to be caught in traffic while the lanes are unused. There is a need to establish a temporary system that will reduce congestion during peak hours," Bashungwa explained.
He clarified that the temporary measure would only apply to the BRT lanes where bus services have not yet commenced. Once the buses arrive, the normal traffic rules governing the BRT lanes will resume.
Additionally, Bashungwa mentioned that the government is in the procurement process to secure contractors for the construction of Phase 5 of the BRT infrastructure, which will cover roads including Nelson Mandela, Kigogo, Tabata, and Segerea, as well as areas in Temeke.
He also provided updates on the ongoing expansion of Morogoro Road from Ubungo to Kimara, noting that the project is currently 16% complete.
This move comes as part of efforts to address Dar es Salaam's notorious traffic issues and improve mobility in the rapidly growing city.