Makambako Town Council

Makambako Town Council (also called Makambako Urban District), located in Njombe Region, Tanzania:

📍 Location & Area

• It is one of six districts in the Njombe Region, with Makambako town as its administrative seat.

• The council spans approximately 884 km² (341 mi²).

📊 Population

• According to the 2022 census, the district’s population is 146,481, comprising about 116,232 urban and 30,249 rural residents.

• Previous data from 2012 recorded a population of 93,827.

🌄 Geography & Climate

• Situated on a hilly plateau, elevation ranges between 1,000–2,000 m, intersected by seasonal valleys .

• The climate is Cwb (warm temperate) with average annual rainfall ~825 mm, most between December–March, and dry months from June–September. Temperatures range approximately 16.1 °C in July to 21.1 °C in November.

🏛 Administrative Structure

• Comprises 1 division, 12 wards, 54 streets (mitaa) in urban areas, 14 villages, and 67 hamlets (vitongoji).

• Wards include Ubena, Mjimwema, Mlowa, Lyamkena, Mwembetogwa, Mahongole, Kitandililo, Utengule, and others.

• Politically represented by 12 elected councillors, 5 special-seat councillors, and 1 Member of Parliament.

🌱 Land Use & Economy

• Total land area: ~884 km², with approx. 59.8% used for agriculture, 39.5% for settlements/other uses, and 0.7% forest cover.

• Major economic activities include crop farming (e.g., maize, tomatoes) and livestock.

🏥 Services & Infrastructure

• Education: Over 40 primary schools and 16 secondary schools.

• Health: Several health centers, dispensaries, and at least two hospitals .

• Roads: Main A104 and B4 trunk roads intersect in Makambako, plus railway services.

• Water: Urban piped supply covers a portion of demand; rural supply via hand pumps, gravity, and electric pumps in different wards.

🤝 Demographics & Society

• Ethnic groups: Predominantly Bena, with significant Hehe and Kinga communities.

• Name origin: “Makambako” derives from the Bena word meaning “place where bulls fight,” referencing local traditions.

☎️ Contact Details

• Postal: P.O. Box 405, Makambako.

• Telephone: (026) 2730044.

• Mobile: 0785 635 383.

• Fax: (026) 2730445.

• Email: td@makambakotc.go.tz

📝 Summary

Makambako Town Council is a growing urban district covering 884 km², home to roughly 146,000 people. The council is well-structured with 12 wards and offers key services in education, health, transport, and water supply. Its economy thrives on agriculture, and it plays a strategic transport role via major roads and rail links.