Vice President Deogratius Ndejembi has ordered Dar es Salaam authorities to overhaul operations at the Pugu landfill and take immediate measures to protect communities living around the waste disposal site.
The directive follows complaints from residents over the effects of the landfill, failure to control insects, prolonged water shortages and uncertainty over land and administrative boundaries.
Mr Ndejembi, who visited the landfill on Friday, September 18, 2026, directed authorities to spray insecticides in residential areas around Pugu, particularly during the rainy season when waste-related pests and associated health risks are likely to increase.
He also ordered Dar es Salaam authorities and municipal councils to prepare a joint action plan setting out immediate and long-term measures to address problems at the landfill and those affecting surrounding communities.
The Vice President questioned the reliability of data on the volume of waste delivered to Pugu each day, saying conflicting figures could undermine efforts to plan and improve waste management in the city.
He directed relevant authorities to verify the figures and establish accurate data as the basis for decisions on waste collection, transportation and disposal.
“We cannot solve the challenges here without accurate information and data. These residents are tired of stories; they want to see action,” Mr Ndejembi said.
The remarks put the spotlight on a basic challenge facing Dar es Salaam as the city continues to generate large volumes of solid waste: effective disposal requires not only infrastructure but also reliable data, adequate funding and proper environmental controls.
Residents from Mstafa, Viwege and Kinyamwezi told the Vice President that communities near the landfill were facing several challenges, including the impact of waste disposal activities, lack of insecticide spraying, water shortages and land disputes.
Mr Ndejembi said residents expected government directives to translate into visible improvements and instructed officials to accelerate implementation of measures ordered by President Samia Suluhu Hassan to address citizens’ longstanding grievances.
The Vice President separately gave ministers responsible for local government, natural resources and tourism, and lands seven days to resolve a longstanding dispute over administrative boundaries and the boundary of Kazimzumbwi Forest.
The dispute has left some residents in Pugu and neighbouring areas uncertain about the status of their homes and land.
Mr Ndejembi directed the ministers to visit the affected areas rather than rely solely on reports from their offices.
They were instructed to work with residents and technical experts to examine official maps and Government Notices (GNs) establishing regional and forest boundaries.
“Honourable ministers, I want you to go to this area yourselves to identify the GNs for the regions and the boundaries of Kazimzumbwi Forest. This has been a longstanding problem,” he said.
He added: “President Samia Suluhu Hassan wants us to resolve citizens’ grievances, so I direct you to ensure this matter is resolved within seven days.”
Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner Albert Chalamila pledged to oversee implementation of the directives.
The measures on Pugu landfill include requiring municipal councils to set aside specific budgets for its operation, improving access to equipment and upgrading essential infrastructure.
The government also wants landfill operations to meet environmental and public health requirements while addressing concerns raised by communities living nearby.
The visit was attended by Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office responsible for Regional Administration and Local Government Prof Riziki Shemdoe, Minister of State in the Vice President’s Office responsible for Union Affairs and Environment Hamad Masauni, Deputy Minister Reuben Kwagilwa, district commissioners and officials from Dar es Salaam’s municipal councils.