Dar es Salaam’s Rapid Transit System Sparks A Frenzy For Privatization Amidst Leadership Turmoil
March 21, 2024
By Adonis Byemelwa
The ambitious BRT project spans six phases, encompassing an extensive 130 km route network poised to serve a staggering 90% of the city's population. Photo credit: Adonis Byemelwa.
In a startling twist, the Dar es Salaam Rapid Transit system (DART) is thrust into the throes of a profound crisis, sending shockwaves through the city and igniting fervent demands for privatization as successive leadership transitions flounder in the face of entrenched systemic challenges.
The sage advice imparted by the PanAfricanvision newspaper just two months prior, championing the infusion of private investment over the cyclic shuffle of managerial roles, now resonates with a resounding clarity.
This remarkable alignment not only highlights the publication's foresight but also serves as a profound testament to the pivotal role of journalism in shaping public discourse and influencing policy.
In a nation like Tanzania, where the once-vibrant readership has waned alongside ethical standards, this moment stands as a poignant reminder that political leaders occasionally heed the counsel and concerns articulated within the pages of newspapers, reaffirming the enduring power of the press to catalyze meaningful change.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan's recent appointment of Waziri Kindamba as Managing Director of the Bus Rapid Transit Company (Udart) has done little to assuage concerns surrounding the faltering transit system. Instead, doubts linger over the effectiveness of these leadership transitions in addressing the root causes of DART's woes.
Against this backdrop of uncertainty, Minister Mohammed Mchengerwa has issued a directive to the Dar es Salaam Rapid Transit Agency (Dart) to urgently secure a private investor. This directive, delivered during a crucial budget proposal presentation, heightens the pressing need for innovative solutions to revitalize the ailing transit project.
Mchengerwa's call for private investment is motivated by a dual objective: to inject much-needed efficiency into Dart operations and to hold accountable those responsible for service provision. With frustrations mounting among residents and commuters alike, the urgency of the situation cannot be overstated.
The decision to pursue private investment represents a significant departure from traditional approaches to public transportation management. It reflects a recognition of the systemic challenges that have long plagued Dart, including overcrowding, safety concerns, and operational inefficiencies.
As Dar es Salaam wrestles with the repercussions of rapid urbanization and population growth, the need for a reliable and efficient transit system has never been more acute. The failure of Dart to fulfill its initial promise as a symbol of progress in public transportation underlines the gravity of the situation.
At the heart of the crisis lies a fundamental disconnect between leadership changes and tangible improvements in service delivery. Despite repeated assurances from government officials, commuters continue to endure long waits, chaotic scenes at bus stops, and safety risks exacerbated by overcrowding.
Minister of State PO-RA-LG, Mohamed Mchengerwa. Photo: Courtesy
Moreover, the recent surge in Dar es Salaam's population, as reported by the World Population Review, underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive transportation solution.
Dart's claim of awaiting approval for 70 additional buses faces uncertainty, leaving passengers unsure of when much-needed relief will arrive.
As of the latest data in 2024, Dar es Salaam's metro area population has surged to 8,161,000, marking a 4.95% increase from 2023, according to the World Population Review.
These statistics underscore the urgent need for an enhanced public transportation system to cope with the city's ever-growing demands.
With the current infrastructure unable to cope with the demands of a burgeoning populace, the stakes have never been higher.
In light of these challenges, the proposed privatization of Dart operations emerges as a potential game-changer. By leveraging the expertise and resources of private investors, the transit system could undergo a much-needed transformation, ensuring reliability, safety, and efficiency for all commuters.
However, the path to privatization is not without its challenges. Questions regarding regulatory oversight, public-private partnerships, and stakeholder engagement loom large as policymakers navigate uncharted territory.
Nevertheless, the imperative for action is clear. The status quo is no longer tenable, and bold, decisive measures are required to salvage the reputation of Dart and restore confidence among Dar es Salaam's residents.
Dar es Salaam's Rapid Transit system faces a pivotal moment as global experiences underscore the importance of strategic implementation and integration in ensuring the success of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) projects.
While cities like Curitiba, Brazil, have seen BRT systems flourish, others such as Los Angeles and San Diego have faltered, highlighting the need for careful planning.
Despite the benefits BRT offers, its potential to fully resolve Africa's transport challenges remains uncertain, though recent inaugurations in Lagos, Cape Town, and Dar es Salaam signal a shift towards modernization and formalization.
In Dar es Salaam, where the first BRT corridor commenced operations in May 2016, decisions made in the coming months will shape the future of public transportation for years to come.
With the city's population surging and urbanization accelerating, visionary leadership and strategic foresight are imperative to ensure seamless mobility and sustainable urban development. Calls for privatization, innovative policy reforms, and strategic investments underline the urgent need for transformative action, marking a defining moment in Dar es Salaam's transit landscape.
