The Tanzania National Roads Agency (TANROADS) and Chinese contractor M/s STECOL Corporation have teamed up to tackle the persistent traffic congestion along the Mbagala Rangitatu–Kongowe road, a notorious stretch for heavy traffic in Dar es Salaam’s southern corridor.
Under the new arrangement, the two parties will swiftly remove broken-down vehicles from the road to keep traffic flowing, a move expected to significantly ease the gridlock that has long frustrated motorists.
Dar es Salaam TANROADS Regional Manager, Engineer Alinanuswe Kyamba, said the frequent breakdown of heavy trucks, especially on hilly sections of the road, had become a major cause of congestion.
He noted that the problem was worsened by the road’s narrow width and lack of alternative routes.
“Our contractor, M/s STECOL Corporation, which is building the six-lane road from Mbagala Rangitatu to Kongowe, has agreed to assist in removing all vehicles that break down along this route. These breakdowns, not the ongoing construction, are the main reason for the heavy traffic,” Engineer Kyamba said.
He added that TANROADS and the contractor plan to construct temporary gravel detour lanes on both sides of the road to allow vehicles to pass more easily during rush hours.
To further ease the situation, traffic police officers will be deployed at the Mzinga Bridge area during peak hours from 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. and from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. to guide drivers and prevent lane obstruction.
Engineer Kyamba said the government’s ongoing project to expand the Mbagala Rangitatu–Kongowe section into a six-lane highway, stretching 3.8 kilometres, is part of broader efforts to decongest the city’s roads.
The design includes two lanes on each side, a dedicated Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) lane, pedestrian walkways, and a flyover at Kibada to improve traffic flow and safety.
He called for patience from residents and motorists as the construction continues, assuring them that the project will provide a long-term solution to the chronic traffic congestion in the area.
“We understand the frustration that comes with traffic jams, but once the project is completed, this route will be among the most efficient in the city,” he said.