Residents in several parts of Dar es Salaam are struggling to access basic local government services after a series of ward offices were burned down, causing fear and disruption across the city. The destruction has led to a temporary shutdown of key administrative services, leaving communities uncertain about when normal operations will resume.
The incident, which took place earlier this week, has raised concerns about safety, security, and the growing tensions within local neighborhoods. Ward offices—normally responsible for issuing permits, resolving community disputes, registering residents, and coordinating development projects—were completely destroyed in the fires.
Essential Services Brought to a Halt
Following the destruction, residents have been unable to access important services such as:
Birth and death certificates
Local tax services
Community identification letters
Business registration support
Social welfare coordination
Many citizens reported being turned away when attempting to seek assistance, with officials confirming that operations cannot continue until new temporary offices are established.
Residents Living in Fear
According to eyewitness reports, the fires broke out at night in at least two wards. The cause of the fires remains unclear, but security teams are investigating whether the incidents were deliberate acts of arson or linked to local disputes.
Residents say the situation has created fear, especially because no suspects have yet been arrested. Community members worry that similar attacks may occur in other wards if security is not increased.
“We don’t feel safe. If government buildings can be burned so easily, what about our homes?” one resident said.
Local Leaders Respond
City officials have acknowledged the crisis and promised quick action to restore essential services. They confirmed that:
Temporary service centers will be set up
Security patrols will be increased
A full investigation is underway
Reconstruction plans will begin once safety is assured
A spokesperson for the Dar es Salaam local government urged residents to remain calm, saying the situation is under control and that the government is committed to ensuring safety and service continuity.
Call for Accountability
Civil society groups have called on authorities to identify and punish those responsible for the attacks. They argue that such incidents threaten stability and undermine ongoing development efforts in Tanzania’s largest city.
Security analysts warn that attacks on local government infrastructure could signal deeper conflicts that need urgent attention before they escalate.
What Happens Next?
The government is expected to brief the public in the coming days on temporary service arrangements and progress in the investigations. Meanwhile, residents continue to wait, hoping for a quick return to normalcy.
