By Our Reporter
Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner Albert Chalamila has ordered stricter enforcement against illegally parked trucks and called on Inland Container Depot (ICD) operators to invest in adequate on-site parking, saying the practice of parking trucks along public roads is a major cause of congestion in the city.
Speaking during an inspection of the truck weighbridge at Kurasini, Chalamila said truck owners and ICD operators must play their part in improving traffic flow by ensuring vehicles remain within designated parking areas.
"Every ICD owner should invest in sufficient parking space within their premises. Trucks parked outside depots contribute significantly to unnecessary traffic congestion," Chalamila said.
He also urged the Tanzania National Roads Agency (TANROADS) to incorporate dedicated truck lanes during road construction projects to minimise traffic disruptions.
Commenting on the current truck weighing system, Chalamila said the existing arrangement is inefficient and could create opportunities for corrupt practices.
"The current truck weighing system is not user-friendly and may create loopholes for corruption. We need to be more innovative in developing road infrastructure that matches the growing transport demand while protecting our roads," he said.
The Regional Commissioner announced that a special operation will begin next week to remove trucks parked illegally within road reserves, warning that the practice will no longer be tolerated.
"Starting next week, we will conduct a special operation to remove trucks parked unlawfully on road reserves because they are worsening traffic congestion," he said.
Chalamila said reducing congestion has become increasingly urgent as Tanzania intensifies preparations to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which is expected to bring a significant number of visitors into the country.
He added that he would engage the Dar es Salaam Special Zone Police Commander to ensure traffic enforcement operations, including vehicle inspections and arrests, do not unnecessarily create traffic jams.
The Regional Commissioner was accompanied by members of a special committee established to tackle traffic congestion in Dar es Salaam. Committee member Jofrey Emmanuel Tumbo said the team had already identified several bottlenecks, including malfunctioning weighbridges that contribute to traffic delays.
"Some weighbridges are not functioning properly, and this has been identified as one of the factors contributing to congestion on major roads," Tumbo said.
