By Business Insider Reporter
The Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA), in collaboration with various government institutions and private sector stakeholders involved in cargo services at the Port of Dar es Salaam, has signed an agreement outlining operational procedures for the transfer, storage and transportation of cargo from Dar es Salaam Port to the Kwala Inland Dry Port in the Coast Region.
Speaking to the press shortly after the signing ceremony held in Dar es Salaam recently, TPA Director General Mr. Plasduce Mbossa provided a brief history behind the establishment of the Kwala Dry Port, noting it was driven by the significant increase in cargo volumes at Dar es Salaam Port, following substantial improvements made by the government and investors.
“Following the major investments implemented under the government led by President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, in partnership with investors such as DP World and Tanzania East Africa Gateway Terminal Limited (TEAGTL), our port has been transformed and its value greatly enhanced. This has led to a surge in clients from neighbouring countries,” said Mr. Mbossa.
He added that the Kwala Dry Port will receive cargo from Dar es Salaam via the old railway (MGR), which has already been tested, and that the modern Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) will soon commence official operations, helping to ease congestion in Dar es Salaam.
“Operations at Kwala have already started, with two daily freight trips being made to the facility. All cargo logistics stakeholders have begun transitioning and upgrading their systems accordingly,” he said.
Mr. Mbossa explained that the dry port sits on a large area, with five hectares already developed in the first phase, and preparations underway for the second phase.
The facility currently has the capacity to store up to 3,500 containers at once.
For his part, the Director General of the Tanzania Railways Corporation (TRC), Mr Machibya Masanja, said that TRC, as a major player in cargo and passenger transport, is committed to ensuring the successful transfer of cargo to Kwala.
“We fully support these efforts to grow the national economy and reduce port and urban congestion in Dar es Salaam,” Mr Masanja noted.
The Director General of the Tanzania Shipping Agencies Corporation (TASAC), Mr. Mohamed Salum, emphasised that shifting cargo to Kwala presents a valuable opportunity for businesses, as it will allow them to receive their goods more efficiently, ultimately boosting government revenue.
“I urge all institutions that signed this agreement to carry out their responsibilities effectively. I have no doubt, as all involved parties are committed and hard-working,” Mr. Salum stated.
Meanwhile, Mr. Laksiri Nonis, Chief Operations Officer at TEAGTL, expressed satisfaction with their involvement in the agreement and affirmed the company’s readiness for operational transformation.
“As investors, we commend the government for these initiatives, which open up our ports to international markets and strengthen competitiveness against neighbouring countries’ ports,” said Mr. Nonis. The dry port was launched on July 31 by President Samia.
