Dar Port dedicates area to farm exports

DODOMA: DEPUTY Minister for Transport, David Kihenzile, has said that the government has allocated a special area to enhance the transportation of horticultural produce, livestock and fruits through the Dar es Salaam Port.

Responding to a question from Mlalo MP, Rashid Abdallah Shangazi, on when the improved port will begin shipping such cargo, Deputy Minister Kihenzile said that the government through the Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA), allocated Plot No P28, covering 239,053 square metres in Kurasini, Dar es Salaam for the purpose.

The MP required the government to explain when the upgraded Dar es Salaam Port will begin transporting horticultural produce, livestock and fruits.

He explained that the area is designated for port-related activities, including container storage, cargo consolidation, handling of perishable goods such as vegetables and fruits as well as serving as a parking area for trucks waiting to enter the port.

“The land use plan and detailed architectural design have been completed and now TPA is in the process of sourcing funds to begin construction,” said Deputy Minister Kihenzile.

ALSO READ: DP World invests 214.42bn/- to boost efficiency at Dar Port

He added that currently, the transportation of such produce is handled through specialised refrigerated containers at the Dar es Salaam Port.

On the other development, the deputy minister noted that the government plans to increase the number of these specialised containers to meet the growing market demand.

In his supplementary question, Mr Shangazi asked why the same plan should not be executed at Tanga Port to cut distance and cost of transporting horticultural produce, livestock and fruits to Dar es Salaam Port.

Mr Kihenzile explained that the government has been improving port infrastructure for the facilities to maintain the quality of perishable consignments including horticulture since President Samia Suluhu Hassan assumed power.

However, he said when the demand for transporting such cargos through Tanga Port increases, then the government will see how it will improve the facility’s infrastructure in order to accommodate the growing demand.