Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner Albert Chalamila has ordered authorities to take legal action against people dumping waste in waterways and strengthen garbage collection as the city steps up preparations for forecast heavy rains.
Mr Chalamila issued the directive yesterday during an inspection of flood-prone areas in Kinondoni and Ilala districts, including Mkwajuni Bridge, Tandale, Mto Ng’ombe and the Msimbazi River at Tabata Liwiti.
He said keeping drainage channels and waterways clear of waste was critical to reducing the risk of flooding, particularly in densely populated areas.
Mr Chalamila also directed local government authorities to introduce logbooks for waste collection contractors, requiring them to sign each time they collect garbage from their assigned areas.
The system, he said, would enable authorities to verify whether contractors were performing their duties and help curb cases where waste collection is claimed to have been done when garbage remains uncollected.
He directed Kinondoni Municipal Council to intensify efforts to clear blocked drainage channels and improve infrastructure in areas vulnerable to flooding.
Mr Chalamila further called on residents to help identify people who dump waste illegally and report them to authorities for legal action.
The inspection followed directives from President Samia Suluhu Hassan and Vice President Deogratius Ndejembi for authorities to strengthen cleanliness and preparedness, particularly around rivers and other areas vulnerable to flooding.
The preparations come as Tanzania braces for weather conditions associated with El Niño, with the Tanzania Meteorological Authority (TMA) having issued forecasts warning of potentially heavy rainfall.
At Tabata Liwiti, Mr Chalamila ordered authorities to identify and arrest people found dumping waste along the Msimbazi River and ensure that they face legal action.
The area has been affected by indiscriminate waste disposal, with garbage accumulating along parts of the river and creating an additional challenge for flood management.
Ilala District Commissioner Edward Mpogolo said authorities had started taking measures to address illegal dumping at the site, including strengthening enforcement.
In Kinondoni, District Administrative Secretary Warda Abdallah, representing the district commissioner, outlined measures being implemented to improve cleanliness and waste management.
Kinondoni Municipal Mayor Songoro Mnyonge pledged that the council would continue enforcing cleanliness standards and improving waste management.
Mr Chalamila's inspection comes as Dar es Salaam continues to face the challenge of managing waste in rapidly growing and densely populated neighbourhoods, where blocked drains and indiscriminate dumping can worsen flooding during heavy rains.
The emphasis on contractor logbooks also puts greater responsibility on local authorities to verify waste collection services and ensure residents receive the services they are paying for.
With heavy rains capable of quickly overwhelming drainage systems, authorities are now expected to ensure that garbage is collected on schedule, drains are cleared and waterways remain free of obstructions before the rains intensify.