Coast Region proposed as logistics hub
DAR ES SALAAM: STAKEHOLDERS in Tanzania’s transport and logistics sector have proposed transforming Coast Region into a national logistics hub to ease truck congestion in Dar es Salaam and improve cargo movement through the Port of Dar es Salaam.
The proposal was tabled during a stakeholders’ meeting chaired by Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner Albert Chalamila in Temeke. The meeting brought together government officials, local authorities, transporters and other players in the logistics chain to discuss solutions to persistent congestion.
Chairman of the Association of Large and Small Truck Owners, Mr Chuki Shaabani, said establishing a logistics hub in Coast Region will help decongest the city.
“When we think about removing congestion from Dar es Salaam, it is important to make Coast Region a logistics hub so that the city can breathe. What is lacking is a decision by the relevant authorities,” he said.
Mr Shaabani noted that transporters had earlier identified Misugusugu in Coast Region as a suitable truck parking area, but the plan stalled following leadership changes at the Tanzania National Roads Agency (TANROADS).
He said Picha ya Ndege in Kibaha could also accommodate many trucks if supported by an efficient system to regulate their movement into Dar es Salaam.
Responding, Mr Chalamila said closer collaboration between the government and private sector was needed to identify bottlenecks and develop lasting solutions.
“We must move away from routine complaints and focus on practical solutions. Investments should benefit citizens and address their concerns,” he said.
He added that Dar es Salaam and Coast regions should identify designated areas for truck parking and logistics operations.
He also called on TANROADS, in collaboration with the Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA), to construct additional bypass roads through Kisarawe to facilitate movement of containers to Kwala Dry Port.
Stakeholders further proposed a new urban planning framework aligned with Tanzania Development Vision 2050, including restricting new warehouses in Kariakoo and identifying suitable zones for warehousing.
The meeting also resolved that Inland Container Depots (ICDs) failing to meet required standards should face regulatory action, including possible licence cancellation.
ALSO READ: We see Tanzania as Africa’s next great trade, logistic hub
Ilala District Commissioner Edward Mpogolo said poorly performing ICDs should be identified and given a limited period to comply with regulations.
A customs agent, Mr Erenest Loboru, said many ICDs lacked adequate space and machinery for efficient cargo handling, adding that Dar es Salaam also lacked designated truck parking areas.
Temeke Municipal Council Director Jamaary Satura said about 70 per cent of the city’s 114 ICDs were located in Temeke, increasing pressure on the municipality.
He said efforts were underway to identify areas for truck parking while assessing social and economic impacts.
TPA Container Terminal Manager Geofrey Iwesya said ongoing improvements in cargo-handling infrastructure would help ease congestion.
He said the EPZDA facility would handle up to 700,000 containers and 100 trucks at a time, while Kwala Dry Port and a new ICD in Morogoro would enable more trucks to terminate their journeys outside Dar es Salaam.
The meeting brought together stakeholders from Kinondoni, Temeke, Ubungo, Ilala and Kigamboni districts.
It’s interesting to see discussions about optimizing logistics and decongesting cities. That kind of strategic planning reminds me a bit of how I unwind after a long day. Lately, I’ve been really into Geometry Dash, specifically for how satisfying it feels to clear rows and keep the board from filling up. There’s a real sense of accomplishment when you manage to keep things flowing smoothly, much like how a well-organized logistics hub would operate. What other approaches do you think could contribute to improving cargo movement and reducing congestion in Dar es Salaam?