DAR ES SALAAM: Minister for Works Abdallah Ulega urged local engineers to prioritize the development of disaster-resilient infrastructure as Tanzania faces projected El Niño rains expected to intensify by month’s end. Speaking to over 4,000 engineers at the 23rd Annual Engineers’ Day in Dar es Salaam on Thursday, Ulega highlighted the critical role of engineering solutions in mitigating flood risks and other climate-related challenges. 'Engineers always have solutions,' he stated, stressing the need for proactive measures before and during the rainy season. The minister also emphasized the importance of adopting advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and data analytics to enhance infrastructure resilience and efficiency. Ulega called on engineers to draw expertise from nations with advanced infrastructure, specifically citing China and South Korea, while advocating for domestic innovation. He argued that AI could significantly reduce operational costs and energy consumption, aligning with Tanzania’s long-term development goals. The minister referenced the Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project, which boasts 2,115 megawatts of capacity, and the Standard Gauge Railway as examples of large-scale engineering achievements where local professionals played pivotal roles. 'Tanzanian engineers are ready to embrace AI and digital transformation,' Ulega asserted, linking technological adoption to the nation’s 2050 Development Vision. The Engineers’ Day event, established in 2003, brought together 4,000 engineers in person and 1,000 virtually, fostering collaboration between government, private sector, and academic institutions. Engineers Registration Board Registrar Eng Benard Kavishe noted the forum’s role in inspiring youth to pursue engineering careers. Meanwhile, Monica Wangare, a representative from Kenya’s Engineers Board, emphasized the value of cross-border knowledge exchange. The two-day conference, themed 'Leveraging Engineers’ Innovation and Digital Transformation for Sustainable Development,' underscored the sector’s growing influence in national progress. As climate patterns increasingly threaten Tanzania’s infrastructure, Ulega’s call for adaptive engineering solutions reflects broader efforts to balance development with environmental preparedness. With El Niño rains projected to begin by late September, the emphasis on resilient design and technological integration marks a strategic shift in the country’s approach to climate risk management.
Tanzanian Engineers Urged to Develop Climate-Resilient Infrastructure Ahead of El Niño Rains
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engineering, climate resilience, El Niño, Tanzania Development Vision 2050
Minister for Works Abdallah Ulega urged Tanzanian engineers to prioritize disaster-resilient infrastructure development ahead of anticipated El Niño rains, emphasizing innovation and technology adoption during the 23rd Annual Engineers’ Day in Dar es Salaam.