Parliament Urges Swift Completion of Dar es Salaam BRT

Parliamentary Committee Calls for Enhanced Oversight on BRT Infrastructure

DAR ES SALAAM, March 17, 2025 – The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Infrastructure has urged the government to intensify its supervision of the construction of the third phase of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project. The route, spanning from the city center (Posta) to Gongo la Mboto in Dar es Salaam, is expected to alleviate congestion, and timely completion is crucial as per contractual agreements.

Speaking in Dar es Salaam today, Committee Chairperson Seleman Kakoso expressed satisfaction with the project's progress, currently at 81% completion. However, he voiced concerns that unforeseen delays might hinder the project from meeting its scheduled deadline.

Challenges Hindering BRT Completion

Deputy Minister of Works, Engineer Godfrey Kasekenya, acknowledged that the project is slightly behind schedule by 1%. He attributed the setback to the removal of existing infrastructure, including water and electricity lines, from the construction area. Despite these hurdles, he assured that the project would be fully operational by June 2025.

Meanwhile, the BRT Project Manager, Engineer Frank Mbilinyi, urged commuters and local vendors to avoid entering the construction zones. He emphasized that such activities pose safety risks and could further slow down the construction process.

Committee's Additional Directives

During its visit, the committee also inspected the Tanzania Electrical, Mechanical, and Electronics Services Agency (TEMESA). It recommended that the government expedite compensation payments to residents affected by the expansion of the Kigamboni parking area.

Additionally, the committee urged authorities to accelerate the maintenance of the MV Magogoni ferry, currently undergoing repairs in Mombasa, Kenya. The restoration of this essential transport service is expected to ease commuter movement and enhance public convenience.