BY THE ARUSHA NEWS REPORTER
Efforts to tackle flooding and improve road safety have taken centre stage in the newly approved 2026/27 Budget of the Arusha City Council, with billions of shillings earmarked for drainage systems, gravel roads and the installation of CCTV cameras along key routes in the city.
The council approved a total budget of Sh 150 billion during a full meeting of Councillors on March 5, outlining infrastructure development as one of its core priorities for the coming financial year.
A total of Sh 4 billion has been set aside for the construction of gravel roads and the building and upgrading of storm water drainage systems aimed at reducing persistent flooding in some parts of Arusha. The drainage improvements are expected to ease seasonal disruptions that affect transport, businesses and people’s residential areas.
In addition, more than Sh 7 billion has been allocated for urban planning initiatives and the upgrading of internal road infrastructure to improve mobility and support economic activities within the city.
A total of 1.9km roads are expected to be constructed or upgraded, alongside improvements to 10 markets across Arusha City to provide traders with a more conducive business environment while increasing municipal revenue streams.
Arusha Mayor, Mr Maximilian Iranghe, described the budget as part of a broader strategy to strengthen infrastructure development and improve social service delivery, positioning Arusha for more resilient growth in the Financial Year 2026/27.
The installation of CCTV security cameras is also expected to enhance safety and urban security management at strategic sites across the city.
The approved budget also outlines revenue expectations, with Sh 60.4 billion projected to be collected from the council’s own internal revenue sources, signaling continued efforts to boost local revenue collection.
