Parliamentary Committee Raises Alarm Over Infrastructure Delays

A parliamentary committee has sounded the alarm over delays and inefficiencies in key infrastructure projects, warning that mismanagement could undermine the government’s multi-trillion-shilling investments in transport.

The Public Investment Committee (PIC) presented its findings in Parliament on Monday, highlighting major challenges in the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), and Air Tanzania Company Limited (ATCL), among other state-led projects. The committee urged authorities to take immediate action to ensure these investments fulfill their intended objectives.

One of the most pressing concerns raised was the underutilization of the BRT system in Dar es Salaam. Although the first phase of the project, connecting Kimara and Mbezi to the city center through Morogoro Road, was completed in 2016, the committee noted that it remains far from fully operational.

Currently, only 100 buses are in service—significantly fewer than the 305 required to meet passenger demand. The second phase of the project, extending to Mbagala, has been completed but is still waiting for buses to begin operations. Construction on the third and fourth phases is ongoing.

PIC Chairman Augustine Vuma Hole expressed frustration over the delays, stating, “This project was meant to ease congestion in Dar es Salaam, but without proper management, the public investment made could go to waste.”

The committee has called on the Dar Rapid Transit Agency (DART) to expedite the process of selecting service providers so that all completed phases of the project can begin operating at full capacity.

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The report also pointed out significant concerns regarding the SGR, particularly in its capacity to handle freight transport. According to the committee’s assessment, 90 percent of the railway’s revenue is expected to come from cargo transportation. However, poor connectivity to road networks is limiting its efficiency and financial viability.

The committee stressed the urgent need to integrate the railway with road infrastructure to ensure seamless movement of goods. Without this, the SGR risks failing to meet its economic potential.

The committee’s findings highlight the importance of addressing these issues swiftly. It has urged relevant government agencies to take decisive action to maximize the benefits of these projects and prevent wasted investment.