Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner Albert Chalamila has directed the formation of a special technical committee to develop immediate and long-term solutions to the city's worsening traffic congestion, saying the growing gridlock requires coordinated action from all key stakeholders.
The committee, which will be coordinated by Dar es Salaam Regional Administrative Secretary Abdul Mhinte, was established following a high-level meeting that brought together transport stakeholders, including the Land Transport Regulatory Authority (LATRA), the Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA), the Regional Security Committee, representatives of truck and commuter bus operators, and officials from the neighbouring Coast Region.
Speaking after the meeting in Dar es Salaam, Chalamila said the rapid expansion of the Port of Dar es Salaam and the increasing demand for inland container depots located near the port were among the major factors contributing to traffic congestion in the city centre.
He said the committee had been tasked with conducting a comprehensive assessment of the problem and recommending practical measures to ease or eliminate congestion.
"The team will examine the causes of traffic congestion and propose both short-term and long-term interventions to improve traffic flow across the city," Chalamila said.
He added that other contributing factors include the location of the weighbridge at Kurasini and the poor condition of some road infrastructure, which often slows the movement of heavy vehicles.
According to the Regional Commissioner, the committee will review these challenges and recommend the most effective ways of addressing them.
Among the key areas the committee will assess are the expansion of major roads, construction of bypass routes, and the possibility of allowing cargo trucks to operate primarily during off-peak hours between 9:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m.
The committee has also been instructed to determine the feasibility and expected impact of such measures before making its recommendations.
The meeting also discussed concerns over regional and international buses parking outside the Magufuli Bus Terminal instead of using the facility.
Chalamila said the regional administration would hold discussions with bus owners to ensure the multi-billion-shilling investment in the Magufuli Bus Terminal delivers its intended economic and operational benefits.
The meeting brought together leaders and stakeholders from both Dar es Salaam and the Coast Region to strengthen cooperation in addressing transport challenges that affect the two regions.
Coast Regional Commissioner Abubakar Kunenge was represented by the Kibaha District Commissioner.
