Arusha Region has stepped up preparations for the expected El Niño rains, with district authorities directed to identify vulnerable areas and repair critical infrastructure before the rainy season begins.
Regional Commissioner Amos Makalla has ordered district commissioners and disaster management committees to put in place concrete response plans ahead of the rains, which are forecast to start in September 2026.
The directive was issued on Wednesday, August 26, during a security committee meeting for Ngorongoro and Karatu districts held at the headquarters of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority.
Mr Makalla said the preparations followed President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s directive to regional authorities to strengthen disaster preparedness and minimise the impact of heavy rains.
He called on government institutions, private organisations and other stakeholders to assess risks within their areas of responsibility and take preventive measures rather than wait for emergencies to occur.
“Look at vulnerable areas within institutions such as schools and colleges,” Mr Makalla said, while directing authorities to ensure that potential risks are identified and addressed early.
He also instructed the Tanzania National Roads Agency (TANROADS) and the Tanzania Rural and Urban Roads Agency (TARURA) to start repairing roads and other infrastructure identified as vulnerable to flooding.
Particular attention, he said, should be given to bridges, culverts and drainage systems that could be overwhelmed by increased water flows.
“Start repairs in critical and high-risk areas, particularly bridges that are passageways for large volumes of water, to prevent disasters during the rains,” he said.
The regional commissioner further directed the Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority and Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA) to work with TANROADS to keep roads inside protected areas in good condition.
The measure is particularly important for tourism, one of the region’s key economic activities, as impassable roads could disrupt access to attractions and affect visitors, businesses and communities dependent on tourism.
Mr Makalla also instructed district security committees to strengthen security and emergency preparedness ahead of a series of international meetings scheduled to take place in Arusha between September and November.
The events include an Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) meeting, a conference on the launch of primary healthcare initiatives in Africa and the World Hoteliers Conference.
The directives place emphasis on early action as the region prepares to manage two major demands at the same time—protecting communities and infrastructure from extreme weather while maintaining Arusha’s readiness to host international visitors and high-profile meetings.