Dar es Salaam Launches Rental Aid for Low-Income Families

Government Launches Rental Subsidy for Low-Income Families in Dar es Salaam

Dar es Salaam Governor Urges Beneficiaries to Strive for Financial Independence

Dar es Salaam, March 12, 2025 – The government has unveiled a rental subsidy initiative aimed at assisting low-income families residing near the city’s Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) routes. Speaking at the launch, Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner Albert Chalamila emphasized that poverty should not be viewed as a permanent condition and encouraged beneficiaries to take proactive steps toward financial independence.

Chalamila expressed concern over individuals who embrace poverty instead of seeking ways to improve their economic status. He reiterated the government's commitment to supporting citizens in need but urged them to leverage available opportunities rather than relying solely on aid.

“When you receive assistance, you should demonstrate efforts to progress from one level to another. Constantly lamenting about poverty will not change your situation. Poverty is not a lifelong disease—it requires effort to overcome it. Living by the roadside should not mean counting passing vehicles; instead, use the opportunities around you to earn a legitimate income,” Chalamila remarked.

He further criticized the tendency of some Tanzanians to resist constructive criticism, stating that many remain in poverty due to laziness. “People from other regions come to Dar es Salaam, utilize existing opportunities, and succeed. Meanwhile, some of you continue to embrace poverty,” he added.

Government Allocates TZS 479.5 Million for Rental Subsidies

The rental subsidy initiative, funded by the Tanzania Social Action Fund (TASAF), is part of a pilot program designed to ease financial strain on vulnerable families struggling with rising living costs near BRT routes. The government has allocated TZS 479.5 million to assist 999 families renting homes in these high-demand areas.

Each beneficiary household has received TZS 480,000, covering six months of rent at a rate of TZS 80,000 per month. The program aims to mitigate the financial burden caused by rising rent and urban living expenses.

Paul Kijazi, TASAF’s Project Manager for Temporary Employment and Infrastructure Development, explained that the initiative, funded by the World Bank through the Dar es Salaam Urban Transport Improvement Program (DUTP), is designed to help low-income families sustain urban living while benefiting from economic opportunities linked to the BRT system.

“Beyond rental subsidies, the program offers entrepreneurial training, business advisory services, and behavioral change guidance. These measures empower beneficiaries to remain in their residences despite increasing living costs while maximizing BRT-related economic opportunities,” Kijazi stated.

The program is set to benefit a total of 1,535 households across three municipal councils in Dar es Salaam: 437 in Ubungo, 504 in Kinondoni, and 594 in Ilala.

Beneficiaries Express Gratitude and Future Aspirations

Recipients of the subsidy have expressed appreciation for the government's intervention, citing it as a crucial relief amid rising costs.

Amina Ally, one of the beneficiaries, stated that she intends to invest the funds in her business to break free from financial hardship. “I plan to reinvest this money into my business. I am confident that in six months, I will have progressed enough to no longer be classified as a low-income household,” she affirmed.

Similarly, Fatuma Mfaume acknowledged the economic shift in her area and welcomed the assistance. “It is true that living costs in our neighborhood have increased, from rent to business expenses. This initiative is a significant step toward helping us cope with these changes,” she noted.

The rental subsidy program represents a strategic effort to empower economically disadvantaged urban residents, ensuring they remain integrated into the city’s economic framework while receiving the necessary support to become self-sufficient.