Africa-Press – Tanzania. THE government has signed contracts with three service providers for the operation of phase two of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, a move that is expected to ease transportation in Dar es Salaam.
Minister of State in the President’s Office for Regional Administration and Local Government (PORALG), Mr Mohammed Mchengerwa told Members of Parliament yesterday that the contracts have been signed through the partnership between the government and the private sector (PPP).
“For a long time, the people of Dar es Salaam have been waiting – some with hope, others with skepticism, but all with a thirst for change. Today, we say: their patience was not in vain, we have achieved a historic milestone,” said Mr Mchengerwa as he tabled the PO-RALG 11.782tri/- budget estimates for 2025/26 fiscal year.
The minister said the signing of contracts marks the beginning of a new era since there will no longer be a story of unfulfilled promises, but of visible and tangible quality services.
According to Mr Mchengerwa, the government does not wish to repeat the mistakes of the past, but instead, building a solid system that prioritises quality, efficiency and respect for the time and lives of passengers.
He said for many years, residents of Dar es Salaam have endured inconveniences, endless traffic jams and unclear services and that with the signing of contracts, the problems are getting to an end.
“Today we speak with the voice of hope, we can see the light at the end of the tunnel, these buses will not just be vehicles for transporting people but instead, they will be vehicles for driving the economy, connecting opportunities and alleviating the burdens of daily life.,” said the minister.
He said the BRT project demonstrates how the government is moving from the traffic jams, accidents and dilapidated infrastructure toward modern, respectful and inclusive transportation.
He said: “We are building a public transport system that will honour passengers, hold service providers accountable and ensure value for every cent invested.”
The minister said in the 2025/26 fiscal year, the government will continue with the design and construction preparations for phase five infrastructure, covering 26 kilometres along Nelson Mandela Road, Mbagala and Tabata – Segerea – Kigogo roads.
Moreover, the government will also complete the integration of the Automated Fare Collection System (AFCS) and the Intelligent Transport System (ITS) as part of ongoing improvements to enhance services for residents of Dar es Salaam.
The minister said the government will continue with the construction of a BRT depot and warehouse at Ubungo Maziwa. Also, four feasibility studies for the expansion of additional BRT road infrastructure will be conducted.
The Minister said the feasibility study will include Mbagala Rangitatu – Vikindu (5 kilometers), Tegeta – Bunju (13km), Kimara – Kibaha (20km) and connecting Phase One and Phase Four through Mwai Kibaki Road (7 km). The Minister said the agency plans to spend 4.83bn
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