Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner Albert Chalamila has directed operators of Inland Container Depots (ICDs) to invest in adequate truck parking facilities within their premises, warning that roadside parking by cargo trucks is a major contributor to chronic traffic congestion in the city.
The directive followed his inspection of the truck weighbridge at the Port of Dar es Salaam's Kurasini area, where he assessed measures aimed at improving traffic management and protecting road infrastructure from overloaded vehicles.
Mr Chalamila said ICD operators should provide sufficient internal parking space instead of allowing trucks to queue along public roads, a practice he said unnecessarily disrupts traffic and undermines the efficiency of the city's transport network.
"Truck parking should be part of the investment made by every ICD operator. Parking along roadsides is one of the avoidable causes of traffic congestion in Dar es Salaam," he said.
The Regional Commissioner also urged the Tanzania National Roads Agency (TANROADS) to incorporate dedicated truck corridors whenever major road construction projects are undertaken to minimise disruption to other motorists.
On the enforcement of axle-load regulations, Mr Chalamila questioned the efficiency of the current truck weighing system, saying the existing arrangement could create opportunities for corrupt practices while slowing the movement of cargo.
He said authorities should adopt more innovative infrastructure and technology-driven solutions that both protect roads from damage caused by overloaded trucks and facilitate the efficient movement of freight.
As part of wider efforts to ease congestion, Mr Chalamila announced that the regional administration will launch a special operation next week to remove trucks illegally parked within road reserves across the city.
He said the exercise is particularly important as Tanzania continues preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which is expected to increase the number of visitors and place greater pressure on transport infrastructure.
Mr Chalamila also said he would engage the Dar es Salaam Special Zone Police Commander to ensure that traffic enforcement operations, including the stopping of vehicles, are conducted in a manner that does not create unnecessary traffic bottlenecks.
The inspection was attended by members of a special committee established to identify practical solutions to Dar es Salaam's traffic congestion.
Committee member Jofrey Emmanuel Tumbo said the team has already identified several operational bottlenecks, including weighbridges that are not functioning properly, forcing trucks to queue for longer periods and contributing to congestion around the port and key transport corridors.
The inspection forms part of the regional administration's broader strategy to improve traffic flow in Dar es Salaam, where growing cargo volumes through the Port of Dar es Salaam continue to place increasing pressure on the city's road network.
