The Dar es Salaam Rapid Transit Agency (Dart) has completed feasibility studies in four cities to secure project land and minimize future compensation expenses associated with Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) projects.
The government intends to extend the BRT project to additional cities while mitigating the need for substantial compensation payments to landowners.
Director of Human Resources and Administration for Dart, Dr. Eliphas Mollel highlighted the detrimental impact of compensation costs on project budgets, citing a previous example where the government paid Sh5.7 billion to compensate 77 landowners during the third phase of the Dar es Salaam BRT project in March 2020.
This loss not only affects the government but also impacts residents who are required to relinquish developed properties for project implementation.
Dr. Mollel made these comments in response to Mr. Deogratius Ndejembi, the Deputy Minister in the President’s Office Regional Administrations and Local Government Authority (PO-RALGA), who urged Dart to conduct feasibility studies for the BRT project in Dodoma city early on to minimize compensation instances.
Mr. Ndejembi officiated a training workshop for journalists, providing them with insights into the BRT project’s implementation and progress.
“We have already conducted feasibility studies in cities such as Mwanza and Mbeya. We await the enactment of the Urban Mass Transit Authority Act to ensure effective nationwide operations,” Mr. Ndejembi stated.
Acknowledging the government’s substantial investment in constructing the Dar es Salaam BRT project, totaling $233 million for phase one and $141 million for phase two, Mr. Ndejembi emphasized the necessity of addressing urban transportation challenges.
To address accessibility challenges, Acting Transport Planning Manager for Dart, Eng Mohamed Kuganda mentioned their plan to acquire the Simu 2000 bus terminal in Dar es Salaam for the construction of a BRT depot.
According to reports, once the Urban Mass Transit Authority Act is in effect, Dart will be able to strategically plan and implement BRT projects in cities like Dodoma, Tanga, Arusha, Mbeya, Mwanza, and other relevant areas.
