Arusha Region has stepped up preparations for the expected El Niño rains, with Regional Commissioner Amos Makala directing authorities to ensure roads, bridges and drainage systems remain usable throughout the rainy season.
Mr Makala said the preparations were necessary to protect travellers, tourists and communities from disruptions as the region enters the peak tourism season and prepares to host an international parliamentary meeting in October.
He directed the Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority (NCAA), district authorities and other conservation agencies to inspect and repair critical infrastructure, while also identifying alternative routes that could be used if heavy rains damage key roads.
Mr Makala issued the directive while chairing a Regional Security Committee meeting attended by officials from Arusha Region, Karatu and Ngorongoro districts and the NCAA management at the authority’s offices in Karatu.
“Arusha is the hub of tourism. We must prepare adequately to ensure visitors are not stranded in any way. Disaster management committees and all institutions must work together to ensure tourists who continue to arrive can reach and leave tourism destinations safely and on time,” he said.
He said the preparations should go beyond tourism interests, noting that reliable transport infrastructure is also important for residents, businesses and other people who depend on the region’s road network.
The Regional Commissioner further directed relevant authorities to strengthen coordination and emergency response measures so that any damage caused by heavy rains can be addressed without unnecessary delays.
The call comes as Arusha prepares to receive more visitors during the ongoing high tourism season, while the city is also expected to host delegates attending the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) meeting in October 2026.
Meanwhile, NCAA Conservation Commissioner Abdul-Razaq Badru said the authority was already implementing measures to improve road access within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
He said construction of the main road linking Loduare Gate and Golini was progressing, with work already underway on the 29-kilometre section from Loduare to Seneto.
Mr Badru added that rehabilitation of other roads within the conservation area was also continuing to improve accessibility and reduce the risk of visitors and residents being cut off during heavy rains.
The preparations are expected to strengthen the region’s resilience to extreme weather while safeguarding tourism activities and ensuring communities and visitors can continue moving safely during the rainy season.