Regulation Urged to Curb Bodaboda Transport Risks

Strengthen Regulation to Prevent Bodaboda Transport Chaos

Dar es Salaam, March 24, 2025 – The emergence of motorcycle taxis—popularly known as bodaboda—has brought transformative change to Tanzania’s transportation sector. In congested urban centers such as Dar es Salaam, bodaboda provide a fast and affordable alternative to traditional forms of transport like minibuses (daladala), helping passengers reach their destinations quickly and efficiently.

Moreover, the proliferation of motorcycle taxis has created widespread employment, especially among youth. However, the growth of this mode of transport has not come without significant drawbacks. A growing number of operators flout traffic regulations, creating serious safety risks for passengers, pedestrians, and other road users.

Traffic data shows a worrying rise in motorcycle-related accidents, often caused by reckless and unregulated driving practices. Bodaboda riders are frequently seen violating road safety rules—ignoring traffic lights, disregarding road signs, and even riding on pedestrian crossings, posing a grave threat to public safety.

In many parts of Dar es Salaam, motorcycle taxis appear to operate with impunity, as though exempt from the standard rules that govern road usage. This culture of lawlessness undermines efforts to ensure safe and orderly transport in the city.

Recently, while speaking in Kasulu District, Kigoma Region, Godlisten Msumanje, Head of the Regional Center of Excellence for Road Safety in Eastern and Southern Africa, underscored the dangers posed by motorcycle taxis. He specifically highlighted their disregard for safety at pedestrian crossings, calling it a major challenge in reducing road accidents.

The government continues to implement measures to improve road safety, yet greater enforcement is needed. Commissioner of Operations and Training in the Tanzania Police Force, Awadh Juma Haji, issued a directive in Dodoma urging regional and district road safety officers to intensify enforcement of traffic laws. Addressing a meeting of road safety leaders from mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar, he noted that lax enforcement enables careless drivers to endanger lives.

There is a pressing need for a coordinated, nationwide strategy to regulate the bodaboda sector. Such a plan should include:

• Mandatory registration of all motorcycle taxi operators

• Routine inspection of motorcycles for roadworthiness

• Continuous public education on road safety laws

• Elimination of unauthorized and untrained operators

Ultimately, all road users must be held accountable under the same set of rules—regardless of the type of vehicle they operate. Road safety enforcement must extend beyond cars and minibuses to include motorcycles, ensuring that the bodaboda sector contributes positively to urban mobility rather than becoming a public hazard.

Flood Preparedness Urged Ahead of Forecasted Heavy Rains

By Amina Omari
As 2025 unfolds, the Tanzania Meteorological Authority (TMA) has issued alerts indicating that several regions across the country are expected to receive average to above-average rainfall, with some areas likely to experience severe weather events.

The forecast includes heavy downpours capable of triggering floods, landslides, and extensive damage to transport infrastructure. Regions identified for potentially significant rainfall include Kigoma, Kagera, Simiyu, Mara, Tanga, Dar es Salaam, and the islands of Unguja and Pemba.

In light of this projection, regional authorities must act swiftly to mitigate risks—particularly by relocating residents from flood-prone areas to safer locations. Early action can help protect both lives and property.

Local governments are also advised to reinforce emergency response teams and strengthen public health departments. Historically, heavy rainfall has not only caused environmental destruction but has also led to outbreaks of diseases such as cholera.

Health committees from village to regional level should begin implementing precautionary measures to minimize public health risks. Meanwhile, infrastructure specialists must assess the stability of roads, bridges, and natural drainage systems to prepare for the impact of expected rains.

The devastating El Niño rains of last year serve as a reminder. In Tanga Region, for instance, the deluge damaged road infrastructure and washed away bridges. This disruption prompted the then-Minister of Works, Innocent Bashungwa, to visit affected areas for assessment.

Specific incidents included road damage in Msente and Mswaki in Kilindi District, where residents were stranded without access to essential services. In urban areas such as Donge, Duga, and Magomeni, people were forced to flee inundated homes. Livestock and other belongings were lost in the floods.

The government responded by establishing temporary shelters for affected residents, which remained in place until weather conditions improved.

As authorities prepare for the upcoming rainy season, the public must also take responsibility. Citizens are encouraged to clear drainage channels and vacate flood-prone zones in advance to avoid disasters.

Community health committees should be reinforced at the grassroots level to assist in raising awareness and supporting government efforts. The overarching goal should be to ensure that the anticipated rains do not escalate into a humanitarian crisis.