There have been weeks of tension among Dar es Salaam residents who have grown very fond of the giant Baobab (Mbuyu) tree in Oysterbay Mbuyuni over the years, and now it seemed as though it was about to fall over as it stands directly in the path of the ongoing BRT Phase 4 road construction project.
A large red “X” had been sprayed on its trunk to indicate that this majestic baobab was doomed to death.
The large “Mbuyu” stands where the new Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) route, popularly called Mwendokasi, passes through the conservation area on Ali Hassan Mwinyi Road.
Earlier this month, a local newspaper reported that Chinese road builders were uprooting the city’s famous baobab tree, considered the oldest tree still in existence.
“Bus Rapid Transit Project to Uproot Baobab Tree at Mbuyuni Bus Stop,” read the headline, sparking further debate as many residents protested against the planned measure.
In Tanzania, baobab trees also have religious significance, as they are used by elders in rituals to settle disputes.
In Tanzania, baobab trees also have religious significance, as they are used by elders in rituals to settle disputes.
It was therefore a relief when the Tanzania Roads Agency (Tanroads) announced that the “Mbuyu” would not be touched.
Local residents and environmental activists had sparked a storm of indignation because the historic tree, which has become a tourist attraction, was under threat.
John Ladislaus, a flower seller near the baobab tree, told The EastAfrican he was “accustomed to its presence and beauty.”
“Leave it alone,” he said. “It is one of the most important landmarks of the city of Dar es Salaam.”
During the construction of the fourth phase of the 13.5-kilometer-long road, numerous more trees were uprooted and roadside gardens were cleared.
Older residents still remember how 30 years ago the Japanese company Konoike Construction was forced to preserve the old Bagamoyo Road to create today’s two-lane Ali Hassan Mwinyi Road.
There are several flower gardens near the Baobab that attract people, including tourists and Catholic worshippers from the nearby St. Peter’s Church.
It is popular for its shade, which stretches from the middle of the two-lane road to the Mbuyuni commuter bus stop, named after the tree.
It serves as an advertising board, with several banners attached to its trunk with messages for potential customers, from fast-moving goods to information on joining the Freemasons and where to find traditional healers and medicine men.
In a notice posted near the baobab, Tanroads stated that the contractor was in the process of clearing the median to keep the baobab on its property.
