The Tanzania National Roads Agency (Tanroads) is verifying compensation records for property owners affected by the planned upgrade of Nelson Mandela Road. This is ahead of the implementation of the fifth phase of the Dar es Salaam Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project. The project involves constructing a new BRT corridor to ease traffic congestion and improve access to Dar es Salaam Port. The verification covers the route from Ubungo at the Kijazi Junction to Kurasini and the port.
Tanroads Dar es Salaam regional manager Alinanuswe Kyamba stated that the agency is verifying compensation documents so that payments can begin. The procurement process for a construction contractor is underway, but no contractor has been selected yet. The agency is clearing the road corridor to ensure it is free of obstructions before being handed over for construction. However, Kyamba did not disclose the number of affected property owners, the compensation budget, or when payments are expected to begin.
According to a 2019 World Bank report, Dar es Salaam is one of the fastest-growing cities in Africa and is expected to reach 10 million residents by 2030. The city faces serious congestion and mobility challenges due to rapid growth, an undeveloped road network, and an increase in motorization. The government is implementing several projects to improve city infrastructure and service delivery, including constructing flyovers along key roads to reduce traffic congestion.
The BRT project, which began operating in 2016, is currently operational in two corridors, with other routes in the pipeline. Tanroads has intensified efforts to remove unauthorized structures and activities from road reserves across Dar es Salaam as part of preparations for ongoing and planned road projects. The operation involves marking affected structures with an "X" and issuing notices to give occupants time to remove their belongings before enforcement.
Garages, food stalls, kiosks, and advertising signs operating without the required permits are among the facilities targeted in the operation. Tanroads will cover several roads, including Kiwalani, Kigamboni, Kongowe-Kibada, Mwakyembe, Mbagala-Chamazi, and Mbezi Victoria-Bunju, as well as the Bunju-Mabwepande corridor. Clearing the road reserves will allow contractors to begin work without obstruction once the respective projects are ready for implementation.
However, not all activities within road reserves are prohibited, provided operators obtain the necessary permits and comply with applicable regulations. Certain facilities, including parking areas, fuel stations, restaurants, and sports facilities, are permitted under the law. Applications are processed through an online system, and permit holders are required to remove their facilities at their own cost whenever the government needs the land for road development.
Tanroads collected Sh257 million in September and October alone from applications and permits for the use of road reserves. The agency is also continuing operations to remove trucks parked for extended periods along road reserves. Additionally, Tanroads has begun repainting faded pedestrian crossings and other road markings across Dar es Salaam, with the exercise expected to be completed by the end of November.
Key points
- Tanroads is verifying compensation records for property owners affected by the Mandela Road upgrade.
- The project aims to ease traffic congestion and improve access to Dar es Salaam Port.
- The agency collected Sh257 million from applications and permits for the use of road reserves in September and October.
