On March 21, 2025, the Minister of State in the President's Office for Regional Administration and Local Government, Mohamed Mchengerwa, condemned the damage caused to roads by large trucks using the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) lanes.
He urged local governments and the Tanzania Rural and Urban Roads Agency (TARURA) to devise effective strategies to address the ongoing traffic congestion in Dar es Salaam.
Minister Mchengerwa made these remarks during a brief signing ceremony for nine contracts, worth a total of TZS 221.8 billion, which will fund the upgrading of 84.4 kilometers of roads in Dar es Salaam under the Second Dar es Salaam Metropolitan Development Project (DMDP TWO).
In his address, Minister Mchengerwa emphasized that President Samia Suluhu Hassan does not want to see traffic jams.
"Local governments, you need to come together and find solutions to end the traffic congestion in this city. While it was acceptable for smaller vehicles to use the BRT lanes, now even trucks are using them, leading to road damage. From now on, I do not want to hear of any trucks using the BRT lanes," he stated.
He also announced plans to review the percentage of local revenue allocated to road construction, urging that the current 10% allocation should be increased to empower TARURA to operate 24 hours a day, managing road construction across the country.
"Take action to open alternative roads that will help alleviate congestion. TARURA, the regional offices, work together to identify and develop strategic roads that will reduce traffic jams," he added.
Minister Mchengerwa also witnessed the signing of construction contracts for the development of roads under the DMDP, covering a total length of 84.4 kilometers.