Mwanza Isaka SGR project reaches 63pc

SIMIYU: THE construction of Lot Five of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) project, which runs from Mwanza Region to Isaka in Shinyanga Region has reached 63.04 per cent of project implementation.

Minister for Transport, Prof Makame Mbarawa said on Friday during a one-day visit to Malampaka Town, Simiyu Region that a significance amount of work has already been completed. The minister was in the region to inspect the progress of the project.

“A significant amount of work has already been completed. The construction is progressing well, with embankment works at 89 per cent completion and the construction of bridges and culverts surpassing 70 per cent,” Prof Mbarawa explained.

He noted that the remaining 37 per cent of the work could be completed at any time, insisting that the construction would continue even during rainy conditions.

Once completed, the project is expected to provide major economic benefits, especially to the Lake Zone regions. The government aims to ensure the project’s swift completion so it can begin serving citizens as planned.

“The government will continue to monitor the contractor closely, including ensuring timely payments, so that the remaining work is completed on schedule. This will allow citizens to benefit from modern railway transport, just like those in Morogoro, Dar es Salaam and Dodoma regions,” he said.

Project Manager Moga Kulwa confirmed that the construction is progressing well, with only minor tasks remaining, such as the installation of railway sleepers.

Simiyu Regional Commissioner Mr Kenani Kiongosi expressed his appreciation to Minister Prof Mbarawa for his strategic visit to inspect the progress of the modern railway project, which will provide significant benefits to the country and its citizens.

Tanzania Railways Corporation (TRC) Director General Masanja Kadogosa said the construction had temporarily stuck due to ongoing heavy rains.

“However, we are now making proper arrangements and by April, construction will resume at an accelerated pace,” he said.

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The project covers 249 kilometres of the main railway line and 92 kilometres of passing loops.

Upon completion, the multi-trillion shilling project is expected to bring substantial economic benefits to the Lake Zone regions, the Great Lakes countries and the nation as a whole.

The project is being implemented through a partnership between China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) and CRCC, at a cost of 1.321 US dollar billion (about 3.45tri/- ). It is expected to unlock economic opportunities by facilitating the transportation of goods from the Lake Zone to the Port of Dar es Salaam.