By The Respondent Reporter
The Regional Commissioner for Dar es Salaam, Albert Chalamila, has issued a rallying call to local authorities and technical experts to develop innovative and lasting solutions to the city’s worsening traffic congestion, particularly from heavy-duty trucks.
Speaking at a strategic meeting with district commissioners from Ilala, Temeke, and Kigamboni, along with municipal directors, regional officials, and engineers from TANROADS, TARURA, and the Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA), Chalamila underscored the economic and social cost of gridlocked roads and urged stakeholders to act decisively.
“The congestion crisis is not just a nuisance it’s undermining productivity and tarnishing the image of our commercial capital,” said Chalamila.
“We must think beyond routine measures. This is a city that hosts international investors and tourists. It must reflect that status in its urban systems.”he added
He singled out the high volume of trucks passing through central Dar es Salaam as a key contributor to the city’s transport woes and called for a comprehensive and sustainable traffic management strategy.
Chalamila also urged local government leaders to engage grassroots communities in environmental awareness campaigns particularly targeting women who operate food vending businesses along busy roads.
He stressed the need for respectful, educational outreach to help vendors understand the health, safety, and environmental hazards posed by cooking and selling on roadways.
Beyond traffic concerns, the RC turned attention to urban development and tourism potential. He urged municipal directors and district commissioners to collaborate with private building owners in the city centre especially around the Hyatt Regency Hotel to redevelop properties into world-class hotels capable of hosting international dignitaries and high-profile events.
Ilala District Commissioner Edward Mpogolo, speaking on behalf of his fellow DCs from Kigamboni and Temeke, assured the RC of their full commitment to implement the directives.
“We are aligned with your vision, and we will take immediate steps to ensure these plans are actioned,” Mpogolo said.
Meanwhile, Issa John, Secretary-General of the Tanzania Truck Owners Association (TAMTOA), reiterated that the operationalisation of the Kwala Dry Port in Coast Region should be central to the solution.
He proposed that all Inland Container Depots (ICDs) be relocated at least 30 kilometres outside the city centre to significantly reduce truck-related congestion.
The meeting concluded with a consensus that cross-sector collaboration will be key to transforming Dar es Salaam into a modern, efficient, and globally competitive urban centre.