Design and planning practice Sasaki has been announced as lead planners and urban designers for the Lower Msimbazi Basin Redevelopment in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Home to 1.6 million people, the Lower Msimbazi Basin supports the critical infrastructure that connects the city’s central business district to the rest of Dar es Salaam.

One of East Africa’s most urgent planning challenges, the Basin has been struck by flooding seven of the last 10 years, putting around 50,000 people from the city’s most vulnerable communities at direct risk.

While these risks are expected to grow with urbanisation and climate change, Sasaki is set to address the conditions through in-depth analysis, establishing a clear foundation for planning and design decisions that are resilient, ecologically sound and economically viable.

Financed by the World Bank through a $200m investment, the project will deliver a coherent plan for the future of one of Dar es Salaam’s most vital and vulnerable landscapes, building on the vision of the Msimbazi Basin Development Programme.

Dennis Pieprz, Sasaki principal, comments on the project:

“This is a unique opportunity to advance an integrated vision for ecological restoration, urban regeneration, economic opportunity, and social sustainability through meaningful community engagement.

“Msimbazi is one of Tanzania’s most significant civic initiatives and we are proud to help create lasting benefits for Dar es Salaam and its communities.” 

The planning and design effort is already underway in Tanzania and is expected to conclude in 2027.