TARURA has signed a 193 billion shillings contract for the expansion and flood control of the Msimbazi River, marking a major step in efforts to address chronic flooding in Dar es Salaam, officials said.
The project, part of the broader Msimbazi Valley development programme, launched in February 2023, is expected to run for 24 months once construction begins, with works scheduled to start in June 2026 after initial conditions are met.
Speaking at the signing event, the Chief Executive Officer of the Tanzania Rural and Urban Roads Agency (TARURA), Eng. Victor Seff said the contract covers large-scale river widening, deepening, and floodplain expansion aimed at increasing the river’s capacity and reducing flood risks in the lower valley.
The works will include excavation of more than 2.3 million cubic metres of soil, strengthening of over 35 kilometres of riverbanks, and development of safe land for residential and commercial use through land reclamation.
Authorities say approximately 57 hectares of land will be created for planned urban development, using materials generated from the river expansion.
The contract also covers clearance of project land, relocation of key utilities including electricity, water and telecommunications infrastructure, and environmental restoration works such as vegetation along riverbanks.
Officials said the project is designed to tackle long-standing flooding in the Msimbazi basin, particularly in low-lying areas such as Jangwani, while improving land use and supporting urban growth.
On the social side, the government has already paid 73.69 billion shillings in compensation to 2,551 affected residents, with an additional 314 people under assessment for compensation linked to the development of new settlement and commercial areas.
However, authorities acknowledged ongoing challenges, including relocation of informal traders currently operating within the project area, and said efforts are underway to identify alternative sites with basic infrastructure.
Eng. Seff said TARURA, working with local government authorities, will provide technical oversight to ensure the project is implemented safely, efficiently, and in line with national standards.
The Msimbazi River expansion is expected to significantly reduce flood risks while unlocking land for investment and long-term urban development in Tanzania’s commercial capital.
