The government has intensified investment in fire and rescue infrastructure after the Tanzania Fire and Rescue Force responded to 4,436 fire and emergency incidents between July 2025 and April 2026, rescuing 1,713 people from life-threatening situations across the country.
Presenting the Ministry of Home Affairs’ 2026/27 budget estimates in Parliament in Dodoma on Sunday, Minister for Home Affairs, Patrobas Katambi said the government is scaling up fire prevention systems, emergency response facilities and rescue services to minimise losses caused by fires and disasters.
The latest figures show growing pressure on emergency services as urbanisation and economic activities expand across Tanzania, prompting authorities to strengthen preparedness and response mechanisms at both regional and district levels.
Katambi told Parliament that the ministry, through the Fire and Rescue Force, conducted fire safety inspections in 62,100 premises by April 2026 as part of nationwide efforts to improve compliance with safety regulations and disaster preparedness.
The inspections generated Sh12.29 billion, equivalent to 98.38 percent of the annual target, reflecting increased enforcement and awareness on fire safety standards.
“In the 2026/27 financial year, we expect to inspect 110,000 premises and collect Sh17 billion,” Katambi said.
A major focus of the government’s new strategy is the expansion of water access infrastructure for firefighting operations. Katambi said the ministry, in partnership with water authorities, has launched a five-year programme to install 4,256 fire hydrants across districts and local councils.
The project is expected to address long-standing challenges faced by firefighting teams, particularly delays caused by limited access to reliable water sources during emergencies.
The government is also accelerating the construction of fire and rescue stations to improve response time in rapidly growing regions.
Katambi said two fire and rescue stations in Njombe and Simiyu have already been completed, while construction is ongoing in Manyara, Katavi, Geita, Kagera and Songwe regions.
In another move aimed at strengthening emergency response services, the Fire and Rescue Force has received Sh2.46 billion for the construction of new stations in Bunda, Gairo, Nzega and Sengerema districts, as well as Chalinze and Mafinga councils.
The funds will also support renovation works at the Ruvuma regional fire and rescue station.
For the 2026/27 fiscal year, the government has allocated Sh10.6 billion for the construction of seven more fire and rescue stations in Dodoma, Kigoma, Kilimanjaro, Mbeya, Mwanza, Pwani and Shinyanga regions.
The expansion is expected to improve emergency preparedness, reduce response time and strengthen public safety services as the country continues investing in disaster management systems.
