Joseph Isangura
Member of Parliament for Ukonga, Bakari Shingo, has pledged to work closely with the City Council and the newly elected Mayor of Dar es Salaam, Nurdin Bilali, to ensure residents of Ilala District receive quality public services and development support.
Speaking on December 4, 2025, during a City Council session focused on electing the new mayor, MP Shingo highlighted his commitment to fostering collaboration with local leaders to advance community development projects and enhance service delivery. He emphasized that strong cooperation between elected officials is essential to ensuring that initiatives benefit residents efficiently.
In addition to administrative support, MP Shingo announced a youth empowerment initiative aimed at providing driving training for motorbike taxis, commonly known as bodaboda, and auto rickshaw drivers. The training program, launched officially on December 3, 2025, has already enrolled more than 140 young people in its first phase.
Shingo explained that the program, funded through the MP’s office and related community funds, aims to equip youths with the necessary skills to operate legally and safely. “For those without driving licenses, we ensure they obtain them, and for complete beginners, we provide full training. Our target is to reach between 600 and 800 young participants in Ukonga,” he said.
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The initiative aligns with broader efforts to promote youth empowerment in Tanzania, particularly through skill development and entrepreneurship opportunities, which are critical for addressing unemployment and fostering economic growth at the community level.
During the council session, MP Shingo also congratulated Mayor Bilali for his decisive victory, winning 48 out of 51 votes cast. Deputy Mayor John Mrema secured 49 affirmative votes, while one ballot was invalidated. The election demonstrates strong support within the council for both the mayoral and deputy mayoral leadership, signaling a mandate for collaborative governance.
Observers note that the cooperation between MPs and city leaders, coupled with initiatives like the Ukonga youth training program, reflects an increasing focus on practical measures to improve urban livelihoods and foster sustainable development in Dar es Salaam. By addressing skills gaps and strengthening local governance, officials aim to create opportunities for residents while ensuring that municipal services meet community needs.
