To assist low-income families grappling with rising rental costs, more than 900 households residing along Dar es Salaam’s Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) corridor are set to benefit from a groundbreaking pilot scheme launched by the Tanzania Social Action Fund (Tasaf).

The initiative aims to provide much-needed relief to vulnerable communities, ensuring they can access affordable housing in one of the city’s key transport zones.

The initiative is the result of a formal agreement between Tasaf, the Tanzania National Roads Agency (Tanroads), and the Dar Rapid Transit Agency (Dart), who will collaborate to conduct research and identify households in need of rent support.

The first phase of the project, which will run for six months, has already begun in the districts of Ubungo, Ilala, and Temeke.

Speaking at the launch of the programme on Wednesday, March 12, Tasaf director general, Shedrack Mziray, revealed that each eligible household would receive Sh480,000 for six months, equating to Sh80,000 per month.

This financial support aims to help vulnerable households cope with the rising cost of living, including the ever-increasing rent prices in Dar es Salaam.

“The programme aims to empower low-income urban residents to benefit from the economic opportunities brought by the BRT system,” Mr Mziray said.

He further explained that in the first phase, a total of over Sh470 million will be allocated to the beneficiaries.

Residents who receive the funds are expected to remain in their designated areas for six months, during which time an ongoing assessment will take place to determine eligibility for the second phase of assistance.

Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner, Albert Chalamila, who was also present at the launch, urged recipients to use the financial support wisely as a means to improve their livelihoods.

“Being labelled poor is not an honour,” Mr Chalamila said.

“This assistance is a stepping stone. It should inspire you to think about ways to increase your income and improve your future.”

The programme is part of efforts to support vulnerable communities and foster sustainable economic growth for urban residents in Dar es Salaam, which is seeing better transport infrastructure.