THE government will not be directly involved in transporting passengers in the bus rapid transit (BRT) system, President Samia Suluhu Hassan has declared.

Addressing a campaign rally at Kinyerezi suburb in the commercial capital yesterday, she said that private operators will run the services under clear guidelines to ensure better management, faster services and improved comfort for all commuters.

The leading presidential candidate pledged to transform Dar es Salaam through infrastructure overhaul to end chronic traffic congestion, improving transport efficiency and making the commercial capital a modern and well-planned hub.

Only the private sector can operate passenger services in the BRT system in order to guarantee efficient, reliable and customer-centred operations, while the government focuses on providing infrastructure and strong regulatory oversight, she said.

The government is determined to address urban challenges by expanding roads, building more flyovers, drainage systems, housing, ports and airports all over the country, strengthening public transport and waste management systems.

“Dar es Salaam is the beating heart of our economy. We are investing heavily in modern infrastructure, roads, bridges, ports and housing, to ensure this city becomes more organised, safe and attractive for investment,” she further asserted.

The government has secured funds for the 390-metre Jangwani Bridge, a major project expected to ease traffic flow and curb recurrent flooding close to the city centre, she said, pointing at plans for flyovers at major road junctions in Tabata, Fire, Magomeni, Kinondoni and other busy spots to further decongest key routes.

She hinted that by 2029, the standard gauge railway (SGR) from Dar es Salaam to Kigoma will be fully operational, while two new SGR routes, from Tanga to Musoma and Mtwara to Mbambabay are on the cards, to stimulate industrial and agricultural growth.

An informal sector trading complex will be built at Jangwani while new markets are planned for a number of areas in the city, meanwhile as the government review challenges of doing business, including taxes and fees, with a committee formed to recommend improvements to make the business environment more predictable and supportive.

“We want a fair, efficient business environment, one that supports growth, innovation and employment,” the candidate declared.

She pointed at the formation of several commissions to improve criminal justice, foreign relations and tax collection, providing the basis for major changes, including a friendlier tax collection environment to stimulate enterprise and investment.

Reaffirming commitment to inclusivity, she said that many new public buildings have been improved to enable people with disabilities to access social and administrative services.

Water minister Jumaa Aweso, the Pangani parliamentary candidate, said the government was installing smart water meters to put an end to inflated bills and ensure fairness, as customers will now buy water credits like electricity.

 A total of 16bn/- has been invested in new pumps to increase water generation and supply across Dar es Salaam, he said, noting that several ongoing projects will raise water availability substantially.

Peter Msigwa, formerly an opposition party zonal chairman, commended the government’s ongoing infrastructure drive, saying it encapsulates the nation’s dream to build a self-reliant and inclusive economy.