Govt to build new cargo vessel for Karema Port
KATAVI: THE government plans to build a new cargo ship for Karema Port in Tanganyika District, Katavi Region, as well as construct a road and railway in a bid to make the port operate to its full capacity.
Transport Minister Professor Makame Mbarawa expressed government’s commitment to constructing the ship and developing infrastructures linking Karema Port with Mpanda so that the port fully utilises the port’s capacity.
According to Prof Mbarawa, in order for the government’s investment of 47.9 bn/- on the port to be productive, a large cargo ship must be built as well as the construction of a 110 km Asphalt Road and Railway from Mpanda to Karema.
Prof Mbarawa made the remark on Saturday during his working visit to Karema Port whose construction has been completed.
“I am happy to see this beautiful port, with modern infrastructure and the opportunity to provide the best port services to citizens and businessmen of Tanzania, Zambia and Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
On his part, Mpanda Rural Member of Parliament, who is also the Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Infrastructure, Mr Selemani Kakoso said that the Katavi, Rukwa and Kigoma residents were thanking President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan for that large project of the strategic port of Karema which will boost the economy of regions to a large extent.
Lake Tanganyika Port Manager Mr Edward Mabula said since the Karema Port started offering service on September last year, 4900 passengers and 1500 tonnes of cargo have been served, so far.
On October 11, 2023, the government through the Ministry of Transport will sign Contracts for the Construction of two Cargo Ships that will provide services in lakes Victoria and Tanganyika in conjunction with the Contract for the construction of a Ship Garage. The signing ceremony will be held in Kigoma.
Recently, Tanzania National Roads Agency (TANROADS) Katavi Regional Manager, Engineer Martin Mwakabende told ‘Daily News’ that construction of 110.6 kilometres asphalt road linking Karema Port and Dar es Salaam Port is expected to help decongest traffic at Tunduma Border Port bordering neighbouring Zambia.
The road construction is planned to take three years and will also link Kigoma Port through Mpanda-Kigoma Highway.
