A major infrastructure upgrade is underway in Temeke Municipality as the Second Phase of the Dar es Salaam Metropolitan Development Project (DMDP II) rolls out the construction of more than 51 kilometres of asphalt and concrete roads across the district.
The project, implemented through the Tanzania Rural and Urban Roads Agency (Tarura), covers more than eight wards and at least 20 streets and is expected to ease mobility, reduce flooding and stimulate economic activity in one of the city’s fastest-growing municipalities.
Temeke District Tarura manager, Engineer Paul Mhere, said the agency has signed road construction contracts worth Sh97.176 billion under the programme.
He explained that Tarura Temeke manages a total road network of 648.45 kilometres across three parliamentary constituencies Temeke, Chamazi and Mbagala and that most of the projects are progressing well.
According to him, implementation of the works in most areas has exceeded 75 percent, although construction in Mbagala and Yombo is still in the early stages because contracts were signed in April 2025.
“In Mbagala and Yombo the projects are currently at about 32 percent completion because they started later than the others,” he said.
Mr Mhere said more than 166 kilometres of roads in the district are already built to asphalt and concrete standards, noting that concrete roads are particularly suitable for Temeke because of the heavy vehicles using the area.
He explained that the district hosts a dry port and serves traffic linked to the main seaport, which handles cargo for several East and Central African countries.
“Our district receives a large number of heavy trucks due to the presence of a dry port and its connection to the seaport that serves neighbouring countries. Concrete roads are therefore more suitable because they can withstand heavy loads and last longer while reducing maintenance costs for the government,” he said.
Local leaders say the improvements are already beginning to change daily life in several neighbourhoods.
Chang’ombe Ward councillor Caroline Henrich said the ward has benefited from six roads built under the project, including Igombe–Yemen, Songambele, Majimaji, Basra, Diwani and Mwakalinga streets.
She said the area previously experienced severe flooding during the rainy season, with stagnant water entering residential areas and disrupting daily activities.
“Before the construction of these roads and drainage systems, rainwater would collect in residential areas and cause serious problems for residents. Now the drainage has solved the flooding challenge and the value of houses has increased,” she said.
Ms Henrich added that Chang’ombe serves as an alternative route when major roads such as the VETA road and the road leading to the National Stadium experience heavy traffic.
“Our ward is located between key roads. Whenever there was traffic congestion on those roads, drivers had to pass through our streets which were previously in poor condition. Now the new concrete roads have improved movement and attracted more people who come here for business,” she said.
Bora Street chairperson Pius Kapungu said the project has also addressed a long-standing flooding problem in his neighbourhood.
“In the past there were many potholes and during the rainy season water would enter people’s homes. With the new drainage systems this problem has largely been solved,” he said.
Mr Kapungu added that installing street lighting in the area would further improve security and make the neighbourhood more attractive for businesses and residents.
Residents say the road improvements are already boosting economic opportunities.
Saada Salim, who lives on Majimaji Street, said the improved infrastructure has made the area more accessible and attractive for tenants and traders.
“In the past many people avoided renting houses here during the rainy season because the area flooded. Now we are seeing more tenants, more shops and more vehicles entering the neighbourhood,” she said.
For small transport operators, the impact has been immediate.
Jimmy Mwakipesile, a Chang’ombe resident who operates two transport motorcycles, said better roads have increased passenger numbers and daily earnings.
“Before the roads were improved we used to earn between Sh15,000 and Sh20,000 a day because movement was difficult due to mud and water. Now we can earn between Sh40,000 and Sh50,000 daily because passengers feel safer and the roads are easier to use,” he said.
Authorities say the DMDP II project is part of a broader effort to modernise Dar es Salaam’s urban infrastructure and improve connectivity across the city as its population continues to grow.
