A Research Dissertation Submitted to Mzumbe University Dar es Salaam Campus College in Partial Fulfillment of the Degree of Master of Public Administration (MPA) of Mzumbe University
The purpose of this study was to assess fire emergency preparedness for public markets in Ilala Municipality-Dar Es Salaam. The overall objective of this study was to assess fire emergency preparedness for the public markets in Ilala Municipal. This is case study, in which sampling of respondents was done using purposive and convenience approaches. Data was collected using interview and documentary review of key documents. The study findings indicate that, laws and regulations governing fire emergencies are sufficient since they stipulate all risk areas that are needed to be considered including areas to be inspected. However, there is poor implementation of these law and regulations. The study findings have revealed that, there are various ways/methods in which the fire disasters could be dealt with. These include the use of preventive and protection measures and fire equipment. Findings have also indicate that, still there is low level of awareness about fire disasters by the community despite the efforts made by Fire and Rescue Force in providing education to the community. It therefore implies that, there is lack of community commitment on fire emergency preparedness. The study concludes that, emergency preparedness is considered as one of the crucial factor in reducing the risks of disasters. Since there is no specific policy dealing with fire emergency preparedness, it is time for now for policy makers under the respective ministry to formulate a policy related to the fire emergency preparedness in Tanzania. The study findings lead to recommendation for the policy to put more emphasis on community awareness about fire disaster by educating the community on how to deal with fire during fire outbreaks and the suitable preventive measures to be employed.