Development of a model for improvement of transport network in informal settlements in Dar es salaam, Tanzania

This study examined transportation problems in informal settlements in Dar es Salaam City that covers about 61% of the built-up area in urban land and where more than 70% of the urban population lives. The study was undertaken with the view to solving the practical and real life problems of traffic mobility and accessibility. This problem is compounded by lack of a methodology to assist decision makers in selecting road network when upgrading informal settlements that improves traffic mobility and accessibility with minimum demolition of houses. The main objective of the study was therefore, to develop a road selection model that meets mobility and accessibility needs in informal settlements with minimum demolition of houses required in road widening so-as-to minimise compensation costs. The previous attempts to develop road selection model includes the CIUP method of road selection in informal settlements used in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania and an empirical formula used in Jeddah, Saud Arabia. However, they lack transportation components required to improve transport network in informal settlements. This study therefore, developed a road selection model for improvement of transport network in informal settlements. The model consists of transportation components that minimise compensation costs required in roads widening. The model was applied to demonstrate how it can be used to select road network for improvement according to priority. It is therefore recommended that the model should be used to improve transport network in upgrading informal settlements in Tanzania.