Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner Albert Chalamila has announced a fresh crackdown on illegal truck parking, unauthorised bus operations and unsafe construction as the government moves to address some of the challenges affecting residents of the country’s commercial capital.
The measures are part of a broader plan to improve traffic flow, reduce flooding, strengthen public safety and ensure the city’s rapidly expanding infrastructure keeps pace with its growing population.
Mr Chalamila said the government had allocated TZS 27 billion to accelerate development projects in Dar es Salaam, including the construction of the Jangwani Bridge.
A further TZS 17 billion and TZS 11 billion have been set aside for the construction of other bridges, with the projects expected to help address flooding, which has repeatedly disrupted the lives and businesses of residents.
“Leadership must focus on people, not short-term praise. We must direct our efforts towards things that last, endure and benefit Tanzanians regardless of their political affiliation,” Mr Chalamila said.
The commissioner said the government was also implementing several road construction and expansion projects across the city.
He acknowledged that simultaneous works had resulted in several roads being dug up at the same time, but said the disruption was linked to the ongoing infrastructure expansion.
From August 17, 2026, trucks found parked illegally along Dar es Salaam roads will face enforcement measures, Mr Chalamila said.
He identified illegal truck parking, particularly along major roads, as one of the factors contributing to traffic congestion.
Trucks found in prohibited areas will be removed and taken to designated parking facilities.
The regional government is also discussing with the Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA) the possibility of allowing trucks heading into the city centre to operate mainly at night.
The proposed arrangement would help reduce the number of heavy vehicles competing for road space with commuters during peak daytime hours.
For residents who spend hours travelling to and from work, school and businesses, the measures could help improve journey times if effectively enforced.
Long-distance bus operators have also been given until August 17 to comply with requirements governing where they pick up and drop off passengers.
Mr Chalamila said companies without permits to operate from bus terminals in the city centre would be required to move their operations to designated facilities.
The move is intended to reduce congestion while creating space for public transport serving passengers within the city.
Daladalas, bajajis and bodabodas will continue providing connections for passengers arriving at major terminals.
Mr Chalamila said the Magufuli Bus Terminal, constructed at a cost of more than TZS 5 billion, has the capacity to handle a large number of buses.
The government is also considering establishing additional bus terminals, including in Temeke, to reduce pressure on existing facilities and make public transport more accessible to residents.
The regional government is also moving against construction projects that do not comply with approved plans and safety requirements.
Mr Chalamila warned developers against using the urgency surrounding preparations for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) to bypass construction regulations.
He cited the Kariakoo building collapse, which resulted in deaths, as a reminder of the consequences of compromising construction standards.
A multi-institutional team of experts will inspect high-rise buildings across the city to establish whether they were constructed according to approved plans.
The inspections will examine issues including approved building designs, the number of floors authorised and compliance with construction standards.
Experts from the University of Dar es Salaam, Ardhi University, the Contractors Registration Board (CRB), the Engineers Registration Board and other relevant institutions will participate in the exercise.
For city residents, the inspections are expected to strengthen accountability and ensure that economic development does not come at the expense of public safety.
Mr Chalamila also announced measures to ensure foreign nationals operating businesses in Dar es Salaam comply with investment and business regulations.
He said some foreign nationals had entered small-scale businesses that, under existing regulations, are intended to provide opportunities for Tanzanians.
He cited businesses involving the sale of clothes, shoes, spectacles and other consumer goods.
The enforcement exercise will begin on August 17, with foreign traders required to operate only within activities authorised by their permits.
Those found violating the law will face action in cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation and the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Mr Chalamila stressed that the measures were not aimed at discouraging foreign investment.
Instead, he said, the objective was to ensure that investment is conducted within the law while protecting opportunities for Tanzanians to participate in small and medium-sized businesses.
The regional government has also given owners of legally registered firearms until August 30, 2026, to complete outstanding payments and documentation required under the law.
Families of people who died while owning firearms have been directed to surrender the weapons to the nearest police station and obtain guidance on their safe custody as inheritance procedures are completed.
People who have lost firearms, or those in possession of firearms obtained outside legal procedures, have also been urged to report them to the authorities instead of concealing them.
Mr Chalamila said the measures were part of efforts to strengthen security across Dar es Salaam.
The latest measures highlight the growing pressure on Dar es Salaam to balance rapid economic growth with the needs of its expanding population.
Traffic congestion, flooding, unsafe buildings and poorly regulated commercial activities have a direct impact on residents, businesses and the city's economy.
The government’s infrastructure investments, including the TZS 27 billion allocation for development projects and funding for new bridges, are therefore expected to deliver practical improvements if implemented on schedule.
For residents, however, the key test will be whether the announced measures translate into shorter journeys, fewer flood disruptions, safer buildings, better public transport and more orderly use of the city’s limited space.
Mr Chalamila said the regional government would continue working with technical experts and relevant institutions to address Dar es Salaam’s infrastructure, environmental, construction, security and land-use challenges.
