| Summary: | Flood-prone informal settlements are among the most complex and challenging construction
sites that require adequate knowledge to enhance flood resilience and adaptation. While such settlements
present construction challenges that need the attention of professionals, anecdotal observations and
experiences in developing countries and Tanzania, in particular, indicate a vast preference to engage and
prioritise local artisans in such areas under the pretext of the high cost of affording professionals. This
article sought to understand how the local artisans were knowledgeable of construction of residential
buildings in flood-prone informal settlements in Dar es Salaam. To understand this phenomenon, various
flood-resilient and adaptive measures that local artisans presumed to be aware of and which they were
using in constructing buildings in flood-prone areas were analysed. The article adopted a case study
design where qualitative data were collected using key informant interviews and focus-group discussions
and analysed thematically. Results showed that local artisans constructing houses in the flood-prone areas
of Msasani Bonde la Mpunga were well informed of various flood-resilient and adaptation measures,
including engineering-related skills (structural) and tacit categories. These measures include
raising/elevating ground floor levels, using reinforced foundations and aprons around the foundation
plinth and using waterproof building materials such as waterproof cement. However, using stilts/columns
was rarely applied because it was conceived as a complex and costly flood construction measure. The
article concludes that most local artisans in the Msasani Bonde la Mpunga settlement had good and
relevant knowledge to enhance flood resilience and adaptation of buildings. However, they require the
technical proficiency of professionals. The article calls for regular training and inseminations of floodresilient construction techniques for local artisans. Such training will blend the engineering and local
knowledge/expertise fundamental for enhancing sustainable urban planning and resilient building
construction in flood-prone informal settlements. Local artisans’ training should be synchronised with
sensitisation to enlighten communities about the significance of utilising skilled and trained local artisans.
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