Students and road safety experts recently took part in a series of interviews organized by Amend, a non-governmental organization, with support from the Cotswold Foundation.
The initiative aims to raise public awareness on road safety while engaging engineers and specialists involved in road design, construction, and maintenance.
The interviews, held at Tegeta Primary School, brought together pupils from Pius Msekwa, Kunduchi, and Tegeta primary schools, all located along Silver Road.
The discussions focused on students’ daily experiences traveling to and from school, with the aim of integrating their perspectives into the Dar es Salaam Metropolitan Development Project (DMDP 2).
Simon Kalolo, Amend Tanzania Country Director, said the program targets vulnerable road users, especially children, who face high risks on busy streets.
“This initiative promotes a ‘people-centered’ approach in road construction, moving away from prioritizing vehicles over pedestrians,” Kalolo explained.
The DMDP 2, funded by the World Bank with over $330 million, is expected to upgrade nearly 260 kilometers of roads between 2025 and 2030.
Kalolo emphasized that involving children in discussions about road safety can help design streets that are safer for pedestrians and accessible to people with special needs.
“The goal is to create a platform where children can share their experiences and ideas with engineers and project officials. Their input is critical to preventing accidents and reducing injuries,” he added.
Agatha Tembo from DMDP-KMC noted that collaboration among all road safety stakeholders is essential. She highlighted practical measures, such as ensuring construction materials like wooden boards are safely managed to prevent hazards.
Jacinta Toke from NIMETA CONSULT urged communities to take responsibility for road infrastructure, warning against pollution and blocked drains that can cause flooding on roads.
Prosper Lyimo, a teacher at Kunduchi Primary School, said teachers should engage students daily, before and after classes, to remind them of risks during construction and encourage caution.
Kalolo concluded that combining community participation with child-centered planning can significantly reduce road accidents and make streets safer for everyone.