DAR ES SALAAM: A DELEGATION from the Zanzibar government has conducted an official working visit to Dar es Salaam to study operations of Mofat Company Limited, a private operator providing Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) services under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement.
The visit, led by the Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Labour and Investment Zanzibar, aimed at gaining practical insights into how private sector participation supports efficient public transport delivery and helps ease traffic congestion in major cities.
Chief Executive Officer of DART Tanzania, Mr Said Tunda, said the visit reflects strong cooperation between Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar in advancing development initiatives.
“We have jointly witnessed how private sector participation has improved the quality of public transport. Even during nonpeak hours, traffic congestion remains a challenge, and systems such as BRT play a crucial role in reducing travel time and improving urban mobility,” Mr Tunda said.
He said the delegation also experienced BRT services firsthand and observed key features, including orderly operations and modern facilities, which contribute to reliable and comfortable commuting. Commissioner for PublicPrivate Partnerships in the Ministry of Finance, Mr Bashiru Taratibu, said PPP arrangements enable the government to optimise public resources while ensuring quality service delivery.
“Through PPPs, the private sector takes on responsibilities that would otherwise place a heavy financial burden on the government. This approach enhances efficiency, promotes sustainability and ensures value for money in public service provision,” Mr Taratibu said.
Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Labour and Investment Zanzibar, Mr Rashid Salim, said the visit had provided valuable lessons that Zanzibar intends to apply in strengthening its transport systems.
“This visit has shown us that public transport investment goes far beyond acquiring buses. It involves infrastructure development, maintenance facilities, ticketing systems and strong operational management,” Mr Salim said.
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He added that the scale of investment involved in such projects is often underestimated, noting that comprehensive systems are essential for long-term success.
Managing Director of Mofat Company Limited, Mr Mohamed Abdallah Kassim, said the company remains committed to supporting government efforts to modernise public transport through professionalism and innovation.
“As a private operator, our responsibility is to complement government initiatives by providing safe, reliable and efficient transport services. We are pleased to share our experience with our colleagues from Zanzibar,” Mr Kassim said.
He added that Mofat has continued to improve services through cashless payment systems and plans to introduce higher-category buses to meet diverse commuter needs.
The visit underscored the importance of cooperation between the two sides of the Union, with officials noting that successful experiences on the mainland can be adapted to support development efforts in Zanzibar.