Dar es Salaam’s cornucopia

The ever continuing metamorphosis of Dar es Salaam from what it was many years ago is making it into a modern city.  Over the years it has been normal for those residing in Dar es Salaam to curse the authorities for one shortcoming after another. Water shortages, power rationing, power fluctuations, pollution, potholes, floods, unkempt garbage and stench, street hawkers at random places, high power tariffs, high parking fees and so on. Dar es Salaam residents may have sworn many times against the authorities but when it comes to living here, few are prepared to leave unless they are compelled to by circumstances. So why do people like living in Dar es Salaam?

One reason is that its peaceful and flexible lifestyle enthralls those residing here. While crime prevails in all cities around the world and Dar es Salaam is not an exception, crime levels here are relatively low especially if considered with economic statistics that show high unemployment and poverty.

Likewise the city has allowed different cultures to live side by side. It is receptive to the trendy who want to live life in a fast lane and also to the deeply religious and God fearing people who can perform their religious obligations with due tolerance. This is why the Muezzin can be heard five times a day from Mosques, the Church bells can be heard during important Christian occasions, peaceful processions like those organised by the Shia Muslims to commemorate Ashura are allowed and even availed traffic police escorts. Similarly Hindus are allowed to celebrate Diwali with fireworks in restricted areas for the sake of general safety and peaceful rallies by different political parties are also taken in stride. Philanthropic organisations have also helped to break down religious or racial barriers as members of these organisations seek out to help the less fortunate irrespective of race, caste or creed.

Flexibility is a key issue in human life and Dar es Salaam residents can exercise much flexibility in their daily lives, flexibility that would not be easy in many foreign capitals where life often is an ordeal especially for working class individuals who work from early morning to late evening for years only to save just enough to own their home during retirement, if lucky.

A city isn’t just an aggregation of numbers. A place might qualify to be called a city in the strict physical sense just because it has so many million people living within its boundaries. But a real city has much more to it and a vibrant cultural life is one of its prerequisites. If Dar es Salaam had three million people living in slums it would not be considered a city in the true sense. Now it is because it offers many modern day amenities that keep on expanding by the day.

Cell phones, colour printing, latest computers, digital cameras, ERC golf clubs, restaurants, hotels, high rise buildings, holiday resorts, satellite television, new car models, fine houses, a choice of banks, a choice of aircraft to travel to different destinations, modern hygiene services, Internet facilities, choice of different car models, many different newspapers or magazines to read, a choice of supermarkets etc. all tell you that life is great in this city if you can afford it and that in many aspects Dar es Salaam has not trailed behind as the world progresses.

Sure the city needs more gardens, more recreation places, more access to the adjacent Indian Ocean, wider and better roads, a better drainage system, more lighting at night, more cleanliness, working traffic lights, railway crossing barriers, zebra crossings at suitable locations, more sporting facilities for different sports, a better equipped Fire Brigade, a stop to bill board advertising of cigarettes and alcohol and an increase in the number of good schools that offer education at an affordable level. All cities have their needs and the difference between a good and bad City Council administration can be judged on how accountable the local authorities are and on how long it takes them to address to the needs of the city. For those who have left to seek greener pastures overseas, many harbour nostalgic memories, which is not surprising considering the city’s cornucopia.