This archive report was first published on 18 October 2019.
On October 18, 2019, a power outage in Dar es Salaam sparked a public outcry, leading to the swift dismissal of a utility manager. The incident highlights the city's 'primate city syndrome,' where residents expect a high level of service and react strongly to any disruptions.
As the commercial capital of Tanzania, Dar es Salaam is home to roughly 10% of the national population and generates a significant share of the country's economy. However, this also means that the city's residents have high expectations and are quick to express their dissatisfaction when services are disrupted.
According to Elsie Eyakuze, a consultant and blogger, the recent power outage was a classic example of this syndrome. 'Nobody cares if our seat of government Dodoma experiences a cut in electricity,' she wrote. 'But the other day Dar es Salaam went dark because of a cooling of a machine type issue at a major plant, and by the next morning whoever was in charge of the cooling of the machine thingy was publicly fired.'
Eyakuze notes that the swift response to the power outage may be a result of the city's 'draconian' approach to customer service. 'It sounds like a draconian move because it is a draconian move,' she wrote. 'People cannot be switched on 24/7/365 even if they're managing a country let alone some part of a power station.'
However, Eyakuze also suggests that the city's residents may be contributing to the problem. 'We live in a very hot, challenging city and don't ask for very much except the chance to sleep with a fan on at night, some light to keep the popobawa (evil spirit) at bay and iron our clothes in the morning,' she wrote. 'If anything gets in the way of these simple needs, like an electricity outage, well then, Lord help Tanesco.'
As the city continues to grapple with the challenges of providing reliable electricity, Eyakuze's commentary serves as a reminder of the complex dynamics at play in Dar es Salaam's 'primate city syndrome.'
