By Adonis Byemelwa
In a concerning revelation, the perilous state of roads in Tanzania is coming to the forefront as authorities continue to neglect the urgent need for maintenance, putting lives at risk.
The hazardous conditions have been underscored by recent incidents, raising questions about the commitment of relevant authorities to ensuring road safety.
The Dar es Salaam to Dodoma highway, notorious for its numerous potholes, has become a hotbed for accidents, with commuters experiencing firsthand the dire consequences of substandard road conditions.
A recent incident saw a near-fatal accident when a columnist's car veered off the road due to a burst tire caused by a deep pothole. Shockingly, little assistance was offered by fellow motorists, highlighting the apathy prevalent among drivers towards the perils of the road.
Further investigations along the highway unveiled a shocking reality – approximately 100 potholes, some as large as 80cm in diameter, have been identified along the 450km stretch.
Reports indicate that some of these hazardous road conditions have persisted for months, despite existing policies mandating immediate repairs.
The deteriorating road conditions are not limited to a single region, with drivers revealing that numerous towns, including Bahi, Igunga, Nzega, and Tinde, are grappling with the menace of potholes.
Despite heavy rains in recent months, authorities seem to have made little progress in addressing the crisis.
Former President John Magufuli's strong stance on road repairs appears to have waned since his demise, leaving commuters vulnerable to the dangers posed by neglected road infrastructure.
Promises made by current Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa regarding repairs seem to be unfulfilled, contributing to the rising concerns over road safety.
Tanzania's National Roads Agency (Tanroads) is under scrutiny, accused by drivers of inadequate inspection and maintenance practices along critical highways.
Commuters complain that potholes, some as deep as 24cm, remain unattended for months, posing significant risks to motorists. Former Tanroads CEO Patrick Mfugale acknowledged the challenges but pointed to the enormity and cost of overhauling the entire road network.
The dire situation along the Dar es Salaam to Dodoma highway has sparked debates on the correlation between poor road conditions and the alarming increase in accidents.
The lack of proactive measures, coupled with the failure to enforce speed limits in high-risk areas, has led to numerous casualties.
A recent report suggests that nearly 14 percent of accidents in Tanzania can be attributed to inadequate road conditions, with an additional 12 percent linked to vehicle mechanical issues.
As the road safety crisis in Tanzania continues to escalate, urgent reforms and a comprehensive strategy are imperative to address the root causes of the increasing number of accidents.
Studies reveal that factors contributing to accidents in the country are predominantly human-related, with misjudgment, speeding, overtaking errors, negligent behavior, alcohol and drug consumption, reckless driving, overloading, parking errors, and driver fatigue being prominent sub-factors within the human element.
Additionally, external factors such as poor road conditions, inadequate engineering and alignment, lack of road signs and markings, and erratic traffic signals due to power cuts play a significant role in contributing to the perilous state of the roads.
Regrettably, the human errors identified are not limited to drivers, as passengers and pedestrians also contribute to accidents.
Deregulation of the public transport system, increased competition among buses for passengers, and the influence of passengers encouraging speeding exacerbate the risks on both urban and long-distance routes.
Furthermore, poor road infrastructure, narrow and ill-maintained roads, insufficient bus stands, and a lack of road signs compound the challenges.
To address this crisis and mitigate the fatality of road carnage in Tanzania, there is an urgent need for collaborative efforts from government authorities, transport agencies, and the public.
Prioritizing road maintenance, enhancing road design and engineering, and investing in comprehensive road safety education programs are critical steps forward.
Adequate provision of road signs, improved traffic signal reliability, and addressing power cuts are essential measures to enhance road infrastructure.
Potholes, pervasive and unchecked along Tanzanian roads, emerge as one of the chief contributors to the alarming rate of road accidents. These craters, often concealed by rainwater or poorly lit conditions, pose a significant threat to drivers who may encounter sudden and unexpected obstacles.
Drivers navigating around potholes are forced into erratic maneuvers, increasing the likelihood of collisions with oncoming traffic or nearby obstacles. The abrupt swerving and sudden braking necessary to avoid potholes not only jeopardize the safety of the vehicle occupants but also create a cascading effect, potentially leading to a chain reaction of accidents involving multiple vehicles.
Moreover, the impact of potholes extends beyond immediate safety concerns. The wear and tear caused by navigating these road hazards accelerate the deterioration of vehicle components, particularly the tires and suspension systems. This not only heightens the risk of mechanical failure but also increases the probability of tire blowouts.
In the event of a blowout, drivers struggle to maintain control of their vehicles, often resulting in loss of control, skidding, and, in severe cases, rollovers.
Additionally, the constant jolts and vibrations experienced by vehicles navigating potholed roads contribute to accelerated wear on essential components, potentially leading to failures such as brake malfunctions or steering issues.
Addressing the pothole epidemic demands urgent attention from Tanzanian authorities. Beyond immediate repairs, there is a crucial need for comprehensive road maintenance strategies to prevent the recurrent formation of potholes.
Despite boasting one of Africa's lengthiest road networks, stretching an impressive 86,472 km across the expansive 947,300 square kilometers of East Africa's largest country, Tanzania falls conspicuously short of securing a spot among the top-performing nations in the continent.
The extensive road network, comprising 12,786 km of trunk roads, 21,105 km of regional roads, and an additional 52,581 km of district, urban, and feeder roads, fails to position Tanzania among the top ten nations known for having superior road systems in Africa.
Leading the pack in terms of the best roads in Africa are South Africa, Namibia, Morocco, Botswana, Libya, Algeria, Zimbabwe, and Egypt, as highlighted by the International Monetary Fund. This observation underscores the significance of well-constructed roads as a symbol of a nation's dedication to progress, providing smoother travel experiences for both citizens and visitors.
The World Bank aptly describes roads as the arteries through which an economy pulses, connecting producers with markets, facilitating workers' commutes, enabling students to reach schools, and transporting the sick to hospitals. In the global pursuit of growth, roads stand out as critical infrastructure.
Many African nations are investing substantially in their road networks, recognizing the pivotal role of well-developed roads in fostering economic growth, job creation, and interconnected communities. Beyond mere physical connectivity, high-quality roads symbolize a nation's steadfast commitment to advancement.
According to a report by the International Monetary Fund, which assesses road quality and mean speed scores across more than 160 countries, some African nations demonstrate commendable performance in road infrastructure.
The IMF utilizes a unique measure, the Mean Speed (MS) score, derived from Google Maps data, as an effective proxy for evaluating road quality and accessibility. This score correlates significantly with existing metrics such as the World Bank's Rural Access Index and the World Economic Forum's Quality of Road Infrastructure score.
As Tanzania grapples with its road quality challenges, there is a pressing need for strategic investments in well-designed and durable road surfaces, coupled with regular inspections and prompt repairs. The collaborative efforts of relevant authorities, transportation agencies, and the public are indispensable in fostering a safer road environment for all commuters. The pursuit of quality roads is not merely a matter of infrastructure; it is a testament to a nation's commitment to progress and prosperity.