Dar es Salaam's road infrastructure is on the brink of a significant overhaul with the impending implementation of Phase Two of the Dar es Salaam Metropolitan Development Project (DMDP). This landmark development follows the signing of a 988.093 Billion TZS loan agreement with the World Bank (WB) on Monday.
DMDP Phase Two aims to revamp a 250-kilometre stretch of road infrastructure to tarmac standards, while also encompassing the construction of modern waste disposal facilities, cutting-edge marketplaces, canals, and nine bus terminals. These ambitious projects are set to be executed across all municipal councils within the Dar es Salaam Region.
Finance Minister Mwigulu Nchemba and WB Country Representative Nathan Belete inked the agreement at the Treasury's sub-offices in Dar es Salaam.
Addressing the media post the loan deal signing, Dr. Nchemba underscored the project's pivotal role in Dar es Salaam's infrastructure development journey, emphasizing its alignment with the region's development plans and the ruling party's manifesto.
"Phase Two will involve road network upgrades to alleviate congestion, the construction of drainage systems, market infrastructure, and efforts to mitigate the impact of climate change," stated Dr. Nchemba.
Mr. Belete expressed the WB's elation over the project, highlighting its significance in addressing Dar es Salaam's immediate and long-term needs.
"Dar es Salaam, with 5.4 million residents, serves as Tanzania's largest region and provides a crucial gateway for Tanzania and its six neighboring landlocked countries to access global markets. We are proud to support the region's growth efforts," remarked Mr. Belete.
Minister in the President’s Office (Regional Administration and Local Government) Mohamed Mchengerwa elaborated on Phase Two's comprehensive scope, emphasizing its reach across all five district councils of Dar es Salaam and its focus on upgrading roads, bus stations, markets, and waste management infrastructure.
"We are set to construct 18 modern markets, implement drainage systems to mitigate floods, and establish nine bus stations. Implementation will commence shortly," affirmed Mr. Mchengerwa.
Kigamboni MP Faustine Ndugulile hailed the signing of the loan agreement as a momentous occasion for Dar es Salaam residents, emphasizing the urgent need to expedite project implementation.
"We are thrilled; it was a challenging journey, given Dar es Salaam's pressing need for road infrastructure. Our next step is to ensure swift implementation, with tenders expected to be announced soon and work set to commence in April," remarked Mr. Ndugulile.
Dar es Salaam MP (Special Seats, CCM) Mariamu Kisangi expressed gratitude to the government and WB for advancing Phase Two of the DMDP, asserting that the project would substantially enhance the region's road infrastructure.