The Dar Bus Terminal that keeps running away from us
The author reflects on the frequent relocation of bus terminals in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, humorously critiquing the city's urban planning. The piece also provides a historical overview of the state-owned transport companies that once dominated the region.
Why it matters
Offers insight into the logistical challenges of urban development in East Africa and the evolution of public transport infrastructure.
DAR ES SALAAM: I HAVE, on three separate occasions in my life, stood at a Dar es Salaam bus terminal before sunrise, bag in one hand and dignity in the other, wondering why the stand I was looking for had quietly relocated while I was not paying attention.
Kisutu did it to me once. Ubungo did it to me twice. And now, dear reader, it seems our bus terminals have developed a permanent case of wanderlust.
Every couple of decades, someone in government looks at the map, sighs, and says, “Ah! Hapa hapana… peleka mbali zaidi” no, not here. Take it further still.
So here we go again, watching the latest episode of Dar es Salaam’s longest running reality show: “Stendi Iko Wapi?” where is the bus terminal?
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in