Tanzania completes designing Mtwara-Mbamba Bay SGR project

DODOMA: THE Tanzania Railways Corporation (TRC), has completed the feasibility and preliminary design studies for the construction of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) from Mtwara to Bamba Bay, including its branches to Liganga and Mchuchuma, covering a total distance of 1,000 kilometers.

The statement was made by Deputy Minister of Transport, David Kihenzile, while responding to a question from Mtama Member of Parliament, Nape Nnauye, in the National Assembly in Dodoma. The MP asked whether the Government sees the need to start feasibility studies for the SGR from Dar es Salaam to the southern regions, particularly in light of preparations for the implementation of the Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) project.

In response, Kihenzile said the Government is currently focusing on mobilizing financial resources for the implementation of this major project, including exploring Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangements.

ALSO READ: Tanzania, Burundi hailed for strategic cross-border SGR project

He added that, regarding the railway from Dar es Salaam to Mtwara, the East African Community, through the East Africa Railway Master Plan, has recognized the importance of this railway section, which will connect the Dar es Salaam Port with the Mtwara Port, due to its potential contribution to economic growth, social development, and regional integration.

However, the Deputy Minister noted that the railway is not yet included in the Government’s implementation plan using public funds, as the Government is currently prioritizing the construction of the SGR and other strategic projects that require significant financial resources simultaneously.

In light of this, Kihenzile called on private investors and financial institutions to collaborate with the Government in implementing railway projects, including the southern railway, to promote economic development and improve the country’s transport infrastructure.