Five wards in Dar es Salaam have been equipped with flood preparedness plans that could help communities identify danger zones, evacuation routes and safe gathering points before heavy rains trigger flooding.
The plans are being handed over by OpenMap Development Tanzania (OMDTZ) in collaboration with the government in a five-day exercise running from September 14 to 18, 2026.
The initiative covers Keko, Makurumila, Mabibo, Ubungo and Tabata wards under the “Ramani Zetu, Sauti Zetu” project, funded by the Zayed Sustainability Prize.
The project uses community mapping to generate local information on flood risks and turn it into practical plans for residents and ward leaders.
The plans are expected to help communities know where floods are likely to occur, where people should move to in an emergency and what action should be taken before and during flooding.
Opening the exercise in Keko Ward, Councillor Ismail Amanzi said the plans should be put into use to ensure the exercise delivers tangible benefits to residents.
“This exercise has come at the right time. We should use this opportunity to ensure that the knowledge we receive is put into practice to achieve the intended results, considering the impact of floods in our areas,” he said.
OMDTZ director Innocent Maholi said the project was designed to ensure communities themselves play a central role in preparing for disasters.
“Our goal is not just to produce maps, but to ensure that the information is used by communities to make decisions and take action before floods occur,” he said.
Mr Maholi said residents had been involved in identifying flood-prone areas, safe evacuation routes and gathering points, giving communities information that can be used when responding to emergencies.
The exercise also provides residents with guidance on responding to early warnings, keeping drainage systems clear and taking basic rescue measures.
For Dar es Salaam, the plans could be particularly important as flooding can quickly disrupt movement, businesses and access to essential services in affected neighbourhoods.
Instead of waiting for flooding to occur before deciding where residents should move or how emergencies should be handled, ward-level plans give communities a framework for acting earlier.
The “Ramani Zetu, Sauti Zetu” project aims to strengthen community resilience through participatory mapping and the use of local information in disaster preparedness and risk reduction.
The initiative also supports the government's emphasis on early preparedness and cooperation between authorities and communities in reducing the impact of disasters, particularly during rainy seasons.