Effects of Road Traffic Congestion on Economic Activities of Dar es Salaam Region in Tanzania

Abstract

The general objective of this study was to examine the effects of road traffic congestion on economic activities of Dar es Salaam Region in Tanzania. The findings show that congestion is caused by narrow roads, bad road conditions, rainfall, non-operating traffic lights, double parking, inadequate feeder-roads, road accidents, road work, many pedestrians crossing the road and many bumps in the roads. Also, congestion on average increases costs of fuel by Tsh. 32,167.00 paid from bus drivers’ pocket and reduces productive time of workers by 2.5 hours. Similarly, employees with formal employment got up between 3:00am and 4:00am early in the morning to avoid road congestion but due to unreliable transport services employee with income of Tsh. 90,000.00 spend 39% of the income as fare because they pay twice in a single journey. However, during their return home they are easily caught in congestion as they get home late at 22:00pm. Therefore, congestion affects the economy by reducing the turnover, profit margin and sales of individuals and in aggregates the economic activities of Dar es Salaam region. This study recommends that, roads be enlarged and pedestrian bridges, feeder-roads and bumps be constructed in a way that reduces congestion.

Keywords: Road Traffic Congestion and Economic Activities

DOI: 10.7176/JESD/12-6-05

Publication date:March 31^st 2021