Tanzania:Government Insists on Simu2000 Bus Rapid Transit Project Despite Trader Protests

By Adonis Byemelwa

In the face of intense opposition from local traders, the Tanzanian government is steadfast in its decision to move forward with the construction of a bus rapid transit (BRT) depot at the Simu2000 market.

Rather than bowing to pressure to halt the project, officials are seeking innovative solutions to implement the initiative without disrupting the traders' livelihoods.

The government's determination underscores the critical importance of the BRT system for Dar es Salaam's urban infrastructure, promising enhanced public transportation while addressing traders' concerns through collaborative planning.

This government stance comes a week after small-scale traders, known as "machinga," protested, demanding that the Ubungo Municipality halt the handover of the site to the Dar Rapid Transit Agency (DART). On July 4, 2024, the municipal council announced the decision to allocate the area to DART, sparking protests and demonstrations by the traders.

In response to the July 7 protest, Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner Albert Chalamila promised to meet with the traders to discuss the matter. Speaking today, July 13, 2024, after visiting the market, Chalamila stated that it is impossible to stop the project at its current stage. He emphasized the need for traders to provide input on how the project can proceed without harming their businesses.

"The project must be implemented, and that's the first thing you need to understand," Chalamila said. "What we are discussing here is how to carry out the project while allowing your businesses to continue."

Chalamila acknowledged that there would be some unavoidable short-term disruptions during the project's implementation but assured that conditions would stabilize afterward. He urged traders to suggest ways to minimize the impact on their livelihoods during the construction period.

Mussa Ndile, chairman of the market's improvement committee, proposed that if halting the project is not an option, the construction should not affect the existing bus station. He argued that the traders' survival depended on the bus station's presence.

"There is no market without the bus station. If the station is removed, the market will die, and we will be driven out," Ndile stated.

Ndile clarified that the traders' actions are not driven by any political agenda but by their economic realities. He suggested that the project be constructed as a multi-story building to minimize the land area required. If this approach is adopted, the bus station could remain intact, allowing traders to continue their operations.

The government’s insistence on the project's continuation highlights the importance placed on the BRT system as a vital infrastructure improvement. This development is expected to significantly enhance public transportation efficiency in the bustling city of Dar es Salaam.

 However, balancing infrastructural progress with the economic well-being of local traders remains a delicate task that requires careful consideration and collaboration between all stakeholders involved.

The unfolding situation will test the government's ability to balance the traders' needs with the urgent demand for modern transportation solutions. The result will likely set a precedent for future projects, emphasizing the essential role of inclusive planning in urban development. The stakes are high, and the resolution will be closely watched as a benchmark for managing similar conflicts between progress and livelihood.