The Tanzanian government has initiated the process of establishing the Dar es Salaam Metropolitan Authority, a move aimed at enhancing coordination of public services and addressing urban development challenges that transcend municipal boundaries. Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Office, Festo Dugange, informed Parliament on October 29, 2026, that technical assessments and consultations have been conducted to determine the suitable structure and legal framework for the proposed authority.
The proposed authority is expected to oversee cross-cutting matters, including urban planning, transport, infrastructure, and public service delivery. According to Mr. Dugange, the initiative is driven by Dar es Salaam's rapid population growth and the need to strengthen cooperation among local government authorities in the region. The authority will be responsible for coordinating issues affecting more than one municipal council, thereby improving the administrative structure of Dar es Salaam.
The government has commissioned an assessment of the proposed authority and consulted French consultancy SPIA Company Limited, which is working with a Tanzanian firm. Two technical documents have been prepared and are being harmonized into a single comprehensive proposal to guide the establishment of the authority. This process aims to provide a framework for coordinating development planning and service delivery in areas where municipal responsibilities overlap.
Kigamboni MP Haran Sanga urged the government to expedite the process, citing population projections indicating that Dar es Salaam could have more than 10 million residents by 2030. He emphasized that the anticipated growth necessitates the establishment of an authority capable of addressing challenges beyond individual municipal boundaries. Mr. Dugange acknowledged Dar es Salaam's growing importance as Tanzania's commercial hub, noting that population growth and expanding economic activities require stronger coordination.
The Deputy Minister emphasized that the government has already started taking steps towards establishing the Dar es Salaam Metropolitan Authority. The ongoing task is to harmonize the two technical documents into a single comprehensive proposal. However, Mr. Dugange did not provide a specific deadline for completing the process, stating that further steps would be taken after the reviews and necessary procedures have been concluded.
The establishment of the Dar es Salaam Metropolitan Authority is expected to improve the management of challenges affecting Dar es Salaam as a whole. The authority will provide a coordinated management system, addressing issues such as urban planning, transport, and infrastructure. This move is crucial for Tanzania's commercial hub, which is experiencing rapid population growth and expanding economic activities.
The government's efforts to establish the Dar es Salaam Metropolitan Authority demonstrate its commitment to addressing urban development challenges in the region. The proposed authority will play a vital role in coordinating public services and development planning, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for Dar es Salaam's residents. The government is working to conclude the reviews and necessary procedures to move forward with the establishment of the authority.
Key points
- The Tanzanian government has begun harmonizing proposals to establish the Dar es Salaam Metropolitan Authority.
- The proposed authority aims to improve coordination of public services and address urban development challenges in Dar es Salaam.
- The establishment of the authority is driven by Dar es Salaam's rapid population growth and the need for stronger coordination among local government authorities.
