Chalamila orders immediate action to clear truck traffic in Dar

Dar es Salaam. Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner Albert Chalamila has announced new measures to deal with the increasing truck congestion that continues to disrupt traffic and delay daily commutes across the city.

Chalamila has instructed that all systems, especially those at the port and Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA), must operate smoothly to allow for quicker cargo clearance and the timely movement of trucks.

He has also urged responsible institutions to look into the construction of bypass roads to divert trucks from the main city routes.

Speaking during a meeting with officials from the port authority, transporters, inland container depots (ICDs), district commissioners and security agencies, Chalamila said the current situation has led to public complaints, especially from workers arriving late due to traffic.

“The roads in Temeke, Kigamboni and along Mandela Expressway are in poor condition. Trucks are parked everywhere, either waiting to enter or exit the port. The congestion is so severe that people are arriving at work as late as 9:00 or even 10:30 in the morning. When asked, they blame the traffic,” said Chalamila.

He has called for immediate and long-term solutions, including improving operational efficiency at key facilities and encouraging private sector investment in elevated toll roads to allow smaller vehicles to avoid congested areas.

Chalamila also reminded district authorities of his earlier directive to take action against drivers who park in emergency lanes, which are not designated for truck parking.

He instructed the Dar es Salaam Regional Administrative Secretary to organise a meeting with all transport service providers, the Tanzania National Roads Agency (TANROADS), and the Rural and Urban Roads Agency (TARURA) to develop permanent solutions.

DP World’s Public Relations Manager, Eltunu Mallania, proposed the creation of a dedicated road system for trucks using the port. She noted that this would reduce the number of trucks using public roads, easing traffic for regular commuters.

She said DP World currently handles between 1,800 and 2,000 trucks daily at its terminals, all using the same roads as the public.

“When we started operations, some people were using the port area as a shortcut. This disrupted our work, but the situation has now improved,” she said.

This discussion comes as cargo handling at the Dar es Salaam Port continues to grow, with 27 million tonnes expected to have been handled in the recently ended financial year.

Donald Talawa, Chief Operating Officer at Tanzania East Africa Gateway Terminal Limited (TEAGTL), recommended using the railway to move containers to Kwala Port. He said this would support recent investments and reduce truck traffic in the city.

“This would help prevent growing port activity from worsening traffic conditions,” said Talawa.

Shida ya Lema, Secretary of the Dar es Salaam Minibus Owners Association (Darcoboa), asked the government to review the tolls charged at the Kigamboni Bridge. He said high tolls affect both transporters and passengers.

“There are too many trucks using that road. They are slowing down our services. Using rail to transport goods to Kwala would help reduce this problem,” he said.

The Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA) said it is working on increasing the number of cargo trains to inland destinations.

Issa John, Secretary General of the Tanzania Truck Owners Association (TAMSTOA), proposed a policy that requires ICDs to be located at least eight kilometres outside the city centre to help reduce traffic congestion.

Meleck Shange, Chairperson of the Inland Container Depot Operators Association, raised concerns about short-term licences, saying they discourage long-term investment.

“We are given only one-year licences, yet one machine costs $500,000. You cannot plan ahead under such conditions. We need multi-year licences to allow proper investment and help create enough space outside the port area,” said Shange.

Ilala District Commissioner Edward Mpogolo, speaking on behalf of all Dar es Salaam district commissioners, confirmed that the instructions had been received and that local authorities were ready to cooperate with all involved parties.