Tanzania’s capital, Dodoma, is set to undergo a significant and transformative evolution with a groundbreaking new $200 million investment from the World Bank, which is specifically aimed at enhancing and modernizing the city’s mobility infrastructure to better serve its growing population.
This ambitious initiative is expected to create over 10,000 new jobs, providing vital employment opportunities and improving the overall quality of life for its residents by the year 2030, thereby fostering a more sustainable and accessible urban environment.
Key Takeaways
- Investment Amount: $200 million from the World Bank.
- Project Name: Dodoma Integrated and Sustainable Transport (DIST).
- Job Creation: Over 10,000 new jobs anticipated by 2030.
- Beneficiaries: More than 430,000 residents, including 222,000 women and 81,700 youth.
- Economic Impact: Project expected to boost the city’s economic output by 2%.
Overview of the DIST Project
The Dodoma Integrated and Sustainable Transport (DIST) project, recently approved by the World Bank Board of Executive Directors, aims to improve urban mobility through various enhancements. The project will focus on:
- Upgrad Key Corridors: Selected transport corridors will be improved to facilitate better movement across the city.
- Resilient Access Routes: Development of access routes that can withstand environmental challenges.
- Central Business District Improvements: Enhancements to the CBD to support economic activities.
- Walking and Cycling Infrastructure: New facilities to promote non-motorized transport options.
Addressing Urban Mobility Challenges
Dodoma has experienced rapid growth since the government’s decision in 2016 to relocate the national capital from Dar es Salaam. The city’s population surged to approximately 765,179 by 2022, with an annual growth rate of 6.4%. However, this expansion has strained existing infrastructure, necessitating urgent improvements.
Nathan Belete, World Bank Division Director for Malawi, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, emphasized the importance of ensuring safe and efficient transport as the city grows. He stated, “This project will help Dodoma grow in a more sustainable way, ensuring that infrastructure keeps pace with the city’s ambitions.”
Components of the DIST Project
The DIST project comprises three main components designed to enhance mobility and accessibility:
- Strategic Multimodal Corridors: Focus on improving infrastructure and public transport services on key mobility corridors.
- Improved Access: Investments to enhance reliable access for residents, including upgrades to local roads and the introduction of pedestrian and cycling infrastructure.
- Institutional Enabling Environment: Establishing a transport coordination mechanism to align efforts among various stakeholders, including government agencies and private sector players.
Implementation and Future Prospects
The DIST project will be implemented by several key agencies, including the Tanzania National Roads Agency (TANROADS) and the City Council of Dodoma (CCD). This collaborative approach aims to create a more vibrant and economically dynamic city, serving as a model for other rapidly growing urban areas in Tanzania and beyond.
The World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA) has a long history of supporting low-income countries through grants and low-interest loans, and this investment in Dodoma is part of its broader commitment to fostering economic growth and reducing poverty in the region.
As Dodoma continues to evolve, the DIST project represents a crucial step towards ensuring that the city’s infrastructure can support its growing population and economic ambitions, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for its residents.