DAR ES SALAAM, Aug. 2 -- PEDESTRIAN walkways exist for one purpose: To provide safe passage for people. Yet across many urban centres, especially in Dar es Salaam, these designated lanes are now increasingly being treated as alternative roads by commuter buses, bodabodas and rogue motorists. During peak traffic hours, some daladala drivers abandon congested roads and divert onto pedestrian walkways, forcing people to jump aside or risk injury. This dangerous practice has become far too common and demands immediate action.

The law is clear. Pedestrian lanes are reserved exclusively for pedestrians. They are not shortcuts for impatient drivers or escape routes during traffic congestion. Unfortunately, weak enforcement has allowed this ille...