Waste collection contractors in Dar es Salaam have been given three months to acquire modern equipment and adopt technology that will allow them to improve waste collection, including operating at night, as authorities intensify efforts to keep the city clean.
Regional Commissioner Albert Chalamila said yesterday that the region was also seeking private-sector participation in waste processing, with a plan to turn garbage into manure and other useful products rather than relying solely on disposal.
The measures are part of a wider sanitation strategy that includes changing public attitudes towards cleanliness, separating waste at source and enforcing environmental laws, amid persistent challenges associated with waste disposal in the country’s largest commercial city.
Mr Chalamila made the remarks during a meeting with editors of various media organisations in Dar es Salaam, where he outlined the region’s priorities on cleanliness, small businesses, flooding preparedness and education infrastructure.
“We need to change the mindset of our people so that cleanliness becomes part of our culture. Waste separation and proper disposal must start with individual households and businesses,” he said.
He said contractors would be expected to use equipment and technology suited to the demands of a growing city, adding that the three-month period would give them time to upgrade their operations.
The region is also looking at better sewage and wastewater management as part of efforts to address sanitation challenges.
Mr Chalamila said involving private companies in waste processing could create an additional economic benefit by producing manure and other products from waste.
On the growing presence of small traders in the city, Mr Chalamila said the region would continue organising businesses, including food vendors and mama lishe, by ensuring they operate in designated areas.
He said the objective was to create an orderly environment for businesses while protecting public spaces and maintaining cleanliness.
The RC also directed the Tanzania National Roads Agency (Tanroads) to strengthen tree planting and maintain roadside gardens.
He gave the agency two weeks to improve the appearance and condition of Nyerere Road, which links the city with Julius Nyerere International Airport.
Mr Chalamila also urged Dar es Salaam residents to prepare for possible heavy rains following forecasts issued by the Tanzania Meteorological Authority (TMA).
He called on residents not to dump waste in drains, saying blocked waterways could worsen flooding during periods of heavy rainfall.
He also urged communities to clean rivers and drainage channels and encouraged households to keep adequate food supplies as part of their preparedness.
The regional administration, he said, was continuing to improve infrastructure to strengthen the city’s ability to cope with heavy rainfall.
The region is also preparing for increased demand for secondary school places following changes in the education curriculum.
Mr Chalamila said the regional administration was working with private-sector stakeholders to accommodate the expected increase in Form One students.
He said construction of additional classrooms in public schools was continuing, while private schools would also be used where necessary to ensure students have access to classrooms.
The preparations are aimed at preventing pressure on existing school infrastructure as the new education arrangements increase demand for secondary school places.
Tanzania Editors Forum (TEF) chairman Deodatus Balile said reports and forecasts from different parts of the world pointed to the possibility of heavy rainfall, underscoring the need for authorities and residents to strengthen preparedness.
He also called for stronger enforcement of environmental laws, saying keeping Dar es Salaam clean required both public cooperation and consistent action by authorities.
The meeting provided an opportunity for the regional administration to brief editors on measures being taken to address sanitation, flood preparedness, informal trading and education infrastructure, issues that directly affect residents and businesses across Dar es Salaam.