More than 1,300 residents in five flood-prone wards of Dar es Salaam have received preparedness plans and early-warning information aimed at helping communities reduce the impact of flooding.
The initiative, implemented by OpenMap Development Tanzania (OMDTZ) in collaboration with the government, has reached 1,345 people in Keko, Mabibo, Ubungo, Makurumla and Tabata wards.
The plans identify areas at risk of flooding, safe evacuation routes, assembly points and locations requiring special attention during emergencies, giving residents and local leaders practical information to use before and during heavy rains.
The exercise was conducted under the Our Maps, Our Voices project, funded by the Zayed Sustainability Prize, which uses community-generated information and mapping to improve disaster preparedness.
Residents were also trained on measures to take before and during floods, the use of early-warning systems and basic rescue procedures. The training included information on El Niño-related rainfall patterns and how communities can respond to warnings.
Speaking at the conclusion of the exercise in Tabata, Ward Councillor Masudi Masudi said the initiative had helped local authorities and residents identify flood-related problems and take action.
He cited Msimbazi Magharibi Street, where OMDTZ has constructed a drainage channel to help manage stormwater.
“The cooperation between OMDTZ, local leaders and the community has helped us identify challenges and take action in our areas,” Mr Masudi said.
He called for the partnership to continue, saying flood preparedness should become part of routine community activities rather than an emergency response after flooding has already occurred.
OMDTZ director Innocent Maholi said the handover of the plans was important because information collected with communities needed to be returned to them in a form they could use.
He urged residents and local leaders to use the information and tools provided, particularly in keeping drainage channels clear and removing waste that can block waterways and worsen flooding.
“The Our Maps, Our Voices project seeks to strengthen community resilience to flooding through participatory mapping, community information, disaster preparedness and response plans, as well as promoting early action,” Mr Maholi said.
He said OMDTZ would extend the initiative to Coast and Morogoro regions, where it will work with government authorities and communities to use local information to identify risks, strengthen preparedness and improve responses to flooding.
For communities in the five Dar es Salaam wards, the focus now shifts from having flood maps and plans to using them—particularly when heavy rains begin—to protect lives, property and access to essential services.