THE government has allayed fears to commuter bus owners of losing business to the Dar es Salaam Rapid Transit (Dart) project that is expected to boost transport efficiency, attract more investment, tourists and create over 80,000 jobs.
The first phase of the project has reached an advanced stage with anticipation of starting operations early 2015, thus calling upon key stakeholders to earmark investment opportunities in the course of implementation.
When the project becomes operational, it is expected to create more than 80,000 direct and indirect jobs, thus becoming source of earnings for many households. "As the government has distanced from doing business, Dart project is a clear opportunity for the local investors to explore the potentials that assures them maximum returns but also contribute to economic growth," said Mr Said Meck Sadick, the Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner.
He made the remarks yesterday in Dar es Salaam during the forum organised by the government to raise awareness and create confidence to commuter bus owners on how they will participate in running the project and the associated services. He said the government has no plans to enter into running the Dart businesses but will remain with the obligation of overseeing the infrastructure due to the massive investment injected into it.
Mr Sadick said for example in phase 1 of the project a total of 145 60-seater buses and 221 small buses will operate, replacing the present commuter buses. "However, I want to assure commuter bus owners that new routes will be allocated to ensure the present commuter buses offer services in other parts of the city not covered by Dart project," he added.
The Dar es Salaam City Mayor, Dr Didas Masaburi, said Dart project will have great economic impact to the region and the country due to improved transport infrastructure. "Business and workers efficiency will receive a new boost when the project becomes operational," he said.
He said poor infrastructure coupled with congestions are some of hurdles hindering smooth flow of business and retarding economic growth. Dr Masaburi said the car parks would be built in some parts of city where residents were to leave their cars and board Dart buses, is not only an opportunity for the local investors to invest but also create both direct and indirect employment to Tanzanians.
He said there are projections that the Dart project would increase investment and tourist attractions in the city. Also he said the new buses to ply in the Dart project will be environmentally friendly in terms of gas emissions, thus contributing to environment conservation.
The Chairman of the Dar es Salaam Commuter Bus Owners Association (DACOBOA), Mr Sabri Mabrouk, said the bus owners will have the opportunity to own the two companies to be formed for running the project by buying shares.
The Surface and Marine Transport Regulatory Authority (SUMATRA) Public Relations Manager Mr David Mziray said Dart project will improve the quality of city transport as well as enhancing the observance of road rules and regulations.
