Msimbazi River basin project scheduled for next April

DAR ES SALAAM : THE government is set to start implementation of the Msimbazi River basin project in April next year to make the area more resilient and livability.

The project will transform the flood-prone but economically important lower Msimbazi River basin of Dar es Salaam through a set of integrated investments that aim to reduce the impact of flooding, catalyse sustainable urban development and improve livability.

“It is an ambitious, large and expensive project that is being carried out by the government to enable not only the Dar es Salaam city but also the region as a whole to be resilient,” the Dar es Salaam City Council Director, Mr Jomaary Satura told ‘Daily News’ yesterday.

The project is funded by the World Bank (WB), which approved 260 million US dollars equivalent to more than 500bn/-.

Mr Satura said through the Msimbazi basin, there will be various commercial and social activities and services that will be provided.

“The projects will not only improve livelihoods and businesses but also the entire socio-economic development of the country.

“Through this project, there will be a business park, entertainment, play grounds, apartments – housing, training grounds, social services and many more,” said Mr Satura.

Further, he said more than 100 hectares will be taken over by the government to complete the project.

The Msimbazi basin project loan will enhance availability and management of water flow that has disrupted Dar es Salaam’s major economic activities, especially during high rainy seasons.

The Msimbazi River Basin is a strategically important area of the city for infrastructure, mobility, commerce and ecosystem services, including flood control.

According to the coordinator of government projects that are funded by the World Bank, Eng Humphrey Kanyenye, estimation showed that more than 3,800 households with approximately 11,000 people will be compensated in accordance with the law of the WB.

A seasoned economist-cum-banker, Dr Hilderbrand Shayo told the ‘Daily News’ in an interview that Msimbazi development will attract economic undertakings that will also provide employment opportunities and hence increase tax to the government.

Besides, the Msimbazi project will attract the construction of improved access to the central business District, housing and business centres, which will also help to beautify the city of Dar es Salaam.