VEHICLE PARKING SIGNIFICANTLY IMPACT THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF DAR ES SALAAM

Introduction
The city of Dar es Salaam is one of the fastest-growing cities in Africa. This growth is accompanied by an increase in the population and the use of vehicles. Parking challenges have become an important part of discussions about economic development and urban well-being. This study examine the impact of vehicle parking on the economic development of Dar es Salaam, considering the population expected to reach 8 million.

Global Context

• Urban Growth and Vehicles: According to United Nations reports, 55% of the world's population lives in urban areas, and this number is expected to increase to 68% by 2050. Urban growth comes with an increase in vehicle usage, with over 1.4 billion vehicles worldwide by 2023.
• Parking Challenges: Large cities like New York, Tokyo, and London have invested in parking infrastructure and traffic control policies to reduce congestion and improve economic development. The cost of constructing parking facilities can reach up to $1.5 billion per project in major cities.

African Context

• Urban Growth: Africa is experiencing rapid urban growth, with 40% of its residents living in urban areas, expected to rise to 60% by 2050. This implies an increase in vehicles and challenges in parking infrastructure.
• Parking Challenges: Cities like Lagos, Nairobi, and Johannesburg have long faced parking challenges. For instance, Lagos estimates losing over $1 billion annually due to traffic congestion.

East African Context

• Urban Growth: East Africa is witnessing rapid urban growth, with Nairobi growing at a rate of 4% annually. This leads to an increase in vehicles and parking infrastructure challenges.
• Parking Projects: Cities like Nairobi and Kampala have begun investing in parking infrastructure and road improvements to reduce congestion. A four-story parking project in Nairobi is estimated to cost over $20 million.

Tanzania and Dar es Salaam Context

• Growth of Dar es Salaam: According to the 2022 census, Dar es Salaam has a population of 5.38 million, expected to reach 8 million by 2030.
• Number of Vehicles: Tanzania had over 1.5 million vehicles by 2023, with a large percentage located in Dar es Salaam.
• Parking Challenges: Major challenges include traffic congestion, lack of parking spaces, and an increase in road accidents. For example, traffic congestion is estimated to cost the city's economy over $200 million annually.

Development Opportunities

• Infrastructure Innovation: Investing in modern parking infrastructure such as multi-story parking, public parking, and digital parking management technologies can improve efficiency.
• Digital Technologies: Utilizing technology such as digital payment systems, parking space tracking through mobile apps, and electronic parking systems can reduce congestion and increase local government revenue.
• Traffic Management Policies: Implementing robust traffic and parking management policies such as paid parking and designated public parking areas.

This study demonstrate how vehicle parking significantly impact the economic development of Dar es Salaam. Considering the existing challenges and opportunities, the government and private sector can collaborate to develop better parking infrastructure, reduce traffic congestion, and strengthen the city's economy.

References

• United Nations, World Cities Report 2020.
• World Bank, East African Economic Outlook 2021.
• National Statistics of Tanzania, Population and Housing Census 2022.