Regional Commissioner Albert Chalamila has announced the gradual resumption of essential public services in Dar es Salaam, following days of disruption linked to security concerns in parts of the city.
He said the move follows a directive issued by President Samia Suluhu Hassan, instructing all regions to ensure that public services and economic activities return to normal while security agencies continue to restore order.
Speaking to journalists in Dar es Salaam, Chalamila said the transportation of goods, including food supplies, will resume, together with intercity bus services and fuel distribution at petrol stations across the city. However, he stressed that the sale of petrol and diesel in small containers remains strictly prohibited.
“Fuel stations must operate as normal. Transporting goods and intercity buses should begin operating in an orderly manner,” Chalamila said. “We will not allow fuel to be sold in containers. That remains illegal and unsafe.”
The RC also directed that public transport services — including daladala, bajaji and bodaboda — continue carrying passengers. He cautioned operators and traders against arbitrarily increasing prices for goods or transport fares, warning that authorities will take action against exploitation.
Chalamila also addressed the status of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system. He confirmed that infrastructure on some routes had been damaged during the disturbances and that services on the Kimara and Mbagala routes will remain suspended while assessments and repairs are carried out.
“We are working to ensure that the BRT network is restored. But we cannot put it back into service until we are sure it is safe and functional,” he said.
To ease mobility while BRT repairs are ongoing, Chalamila instructed the Land Transport Regulatory Authority (LATRA) to grant temporary permits to commuter minibuses to cover affected BRT corridors. However, he emphasized that these vehicles must not use dedicated BRT lanes.
“We want people coming from Mbezi and Kimara to have reliable access to the city centre. LATRA will issue temporary permits, but no public transport should use the BRT lanes,” he said.
The RC also directed the Energy and Water Utilities Regulatory Authority (EWURA) to convene a meeting with fuel suppliers and distribution companies to ensure sufficient and stable fuel supply across the city.
Chalamila said security operations will continue across Dar es Salaam to prevent further unrest, adding that the government remains committed to safeguarding public safety and ensuring that daily life resumes peacefully.
“We are restoring services, and we are restoring normalcy,” he said. “The government will continue to protect citizens and ensure calm across the city.”