DODOMA: THE government has stated that efforts are being made to improve marine transport between Tanzania and the eastern parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo).
Deputy Minister for Works Engineer Godfrey Kasekenya spoke of the efforts being made in Parliament yesterday when responding to the question posed by Momba CCM legislator Condester Sichalwe.
The deputy minister responded to the question on behalf of the Minister for Transport, Prof Makame Mbarawa. In her question, the legislator sought the government response on strategies it is implementing in collaboration with the government of DR Congo to introduce marime transport between Tanzania and Lubumbashi via Lake Tanganyika.
In his response, the deputy minister said the state-owned entity, Tanzania Shipping Company Ltd (TASHICO), in finalising rehabilitation of three ships, namely MV Liemba, and MV Mwongozo that operate between Kigoma Port and Karema on Tanzania side and Kalemie on the DR Congo side, and not Lubumbashi.
The deputy minister said the government is in the final stages of building a new passenger and cargo ship that will operate between the two nations.
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Engineer Kasekenya said, bearing in mind that Tanzanian has good relations with the government of DR Congo, the two governments are contemplating on the possibility of building a road to connect the two countries. DR Congo is considered the world’s richest country in terms of natural resources.
Speaking on efforts being made by the government to make the newly built Karema port accessible, the deputy minister said two contractors are on the site, building the road from Mpanda in Katavi Region to the port to the tarmac level.
The deputy minister was prompted to briefly speak on the possibility of building the road to reach eastern parts of DR Congo after MS Sichalwe sought the government stand on the matter.
Meanwhile, Engineer Kasekenya said the government is looking into the possibility of reintroducing marine passenger transport between Dar es Salaam Port snd Mtwara Port.
in public rallies. The pledges normally focus on development projects.
