Every road in Dar es Salaam carries more than vehicles, it carries the dreams, ambitions, and daily realities of millions of people who rely on these connections to work, access essential services, and build better lives.
For many residents, the true value of a road goes far beyond filling potholes or making journeys shorter.
A well-developed road network is a vital link that connects people to healthcare, education, markets, workplaces, and opportunities that shape their everyday lives.
For a business owner, improved roads and reliable street lighting can mean the ability to extend working hours and reach more customers.
For a patient in need of urgent medical attention, it can mean arriving at a healthcare facility on time.
For students, it can mean safer and more reliable journeys to school, while drivers benefit from reduced vehicle maintenance costs.
In a city expanding as rapidly as Dar es Salaam, roads are not simply transport routes; they are the foundation for economic growth, social connection, and a better quality of life.
As you travel through different parts of Dar es Salaam today, signs of transformation are becoming increasingly visible.
Roads are being excavated, heavy construction equipment is operating, and contractors are working tirelessly to complete various infrastructure projects.
Beyond the dust, temporary disruptions, and ongoing construction, these activities represent a much larger journey a journey to build a more connected, resilient, and economically vibrant Dar es Salaam.
What you see is not just the hustle and bustle taking place on those roads.
What you are witnessing is part of a journey to build Dar es Salaam into a city envisioned to have better infrastructure and a rapidly growing economy.
The region has a road network covering 5,057.7 kilometres, of which 12 percent are paved roads, 33 percent are gravel roads, and 54 percent are earth roads.
These statistics are according to the Tanzania Rural and Urban Roads Agency [TARURA], Dar es Salaam Region.
To change this situation, TARURA is continuing with road maintenance across all districts of the region, alongside the construction of approximately 100.91 kilometres of paved roads.
"The construction of these kilometres of paved roads is being implemented through the Dar es Salaam Metropolitan Development Project Phase Two [DMDP II], which is funded by the World Bank [WB],"
.., said Nyamagaula Ndango, an Engineer representing the TARURA Dar es Salaam Regional Manager, during an exclusive interview with M24 TANZANIA at the SABASABA International Trade Fair.
The projects are being implemented in the municipalities of Kinondoni, Temeke, Kigamboni, and Dar es Salaam City.
The project also includes the construction of storm water drainage systems as well as the installation of street lights.
These improvements aim not only to ease transportation but also to extend the time available for citizens to engage in economic activities by creating safer environments for working even at night.
Speaking about the city’s long-term development direction, Engineer Ndango said the improvements are aligned with the goals of the National Development Vision 2050.
The government aims to significantly increase the paved road network while reducing gravel and earth roads.
"The goal is to ensure that citizens conduct their businesses more easily and travel from one area to another without infrastructure challenges.
"The city itself continues to grow alongside the needs of its residents," said Engineer Ndango.
He added, "In addition, as part of efforts to address flooding challenges, the government is also continuing with the construction of a 390-metre-long bridge in the Jangwani area.
"Construction of modern embankments along the Msimbazi River Basin is also ongoing to reduce the impacts of floods that have affected transportation and economic activities for many years."
According to Engineer Ndango, for TARURA, the investment taking place today is not only about building roads.
It is about creating an environment that will enable citizens to travel with ease, conduct businesses productively, and experience development that touches their everyday lives.
For TARURA, the journey has already begun to ensure that Dar es Salaam continues moving forward towards achieving the goals of the National Development Vision 2050.
Chapisha Maoni