The vicious cycle of road repairs: a call for sustainable solutions

Dar es Salaam. The bustling economic heart of Tanzania boasts a network of roads vital for its residents and economic activities.

However, there are certain areas within the city where every rainy season brings about the same frustrating cycle: roads are repaired, only to degrade again shortly after.

This perpetual cycle of road maintenance raises questions about the effectiveness and sustainability of current repair strategies, prompting residents to voice their concerns to the government.

One such area is the road passing near Karume Market, where residents have long lamented the recurrent deterioration of roads despite frequent repairs.

Read: Parliament urges government to double budget for rural roads

Mr Jonathan Elvis, an entrepreneur at the market, reveals: "Every time it rains, we see crews out repairing the roads. But within a few weeks, the same potholes reappear, and we're left wondering why the repairs don't last."

Similar sentiments echo from a shop owner in Muhimbili, Salmin Kulwa, who claims that the tendency to repair roads after every short period in the area has been questionable.

“They fix the roads, and we're grateful, but then the rains come, and it's back to square one. It's a waste of time and resources. I think there is a need to investigate how they don’t take time whenever it rains to come and repair the potholes, but after some time they reappear, they use our taxes, so if they repair, they better make sure it’s a well-done job and not to come and go after every few months; it makes it seem like sabotage to citizens," he explains.

The root of the problem seems to lie in the quality of materials used and the methods employed in road repairs.

Some residents point out that the repairs often seem superficial, using low-quality materials that are not suited to withstand the city's weather conditions.

"It's as if they're just patching up the surface without addressing the underlying issues," remarks Fatima, a resident of Ilala.

Moreover, the lack of proper drainage systems exacerbates the problem. During heavy rains, water accumulates on the roads, weakening the tarmac and causing it to degrade more rapidly.

Read: Time to repair our roads

"We need better drainage systems to prevent water from pooling on the roads," insists John Kigume, a resident of Kinondoni.

However, residents call on the government to adopt more sustainable road maintenance practices. They emphasise the importance of using durable materials and implementing effective drainage systems to ensure that repairs last longer.

"Investing in quality materials may cost more upfront, but it will save money in the long run by reducing the need for frequent repairs," suggests Salma Ayubu, a resident of Temeke.

On top of that, another Temeke resident, Ms Daudi Maliki, comments, "We appreciate Tarura's efforts, but we need solutions that will withstand the challenges of our climate.”

Furthermore, residents urge the government to involve local communities in the planning and execution of road maintenance projects.

"We know our neighbourhoods best. By involving us in the decision-making process, the government can ensure that repairs are tailored to our specific needs," asserts Rahim Mfaume, a resident of Ilala.

The Chief Executive Officer of Tanzania Rural and Urban Roads Agency (Tarura), Engineer Victor Seff, explains that the agency is actively engaged in road repair and maintenance efforts nationwide, including in Dar es Salaam and other urban areas.

“We understand the importance of addressing the challenges faced by residents, such as recurrent road degradation during rainy seasons, and we are working diligently to implement sustainable solutions,” he says.

He went on to emphasise that the agency has an unwavering commitment to improving road infrastructure in both rural and urban areas throughout the country.

“We are dedicated to ensuring that all Tanzanians, regardless of their location, have access to safe and reliable transportation networks, so whenever we see potholes on any road, we will send our practitioners to repair them,” he shares.

He adds that Tarura is focused on using resources efficiently and effectively to make lasting improvements to road infrastructure.

“We are committed to using high-quality materials and employing best practices in construction and maintenance,” he adds.

In the fiscal year 2023/2024, Tanzania Rural and Urban Roads Agency (Tarura) was allocated a total of Sh818.02 billion for 21, 709km of road infrastructure repair. Of these funds, Sh710.31 billion are domestic funds, and Sh107.71 billion are foreign funds.