Mbarawa directs TPA to intensify oversight on fuel project
DAR ES SALAAM: MINISTER for Transport, Professor Makame Mbarawa, has urged the Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA) to increase its technical supervision and on-site oversight of the construction of 15 large-capacity fuel storage tanks, a strategic project aimed at strengthening the country’s fuel security and reducing operational costs.
The government-funded project, worth 703bn/-, will provide 380,000 cubic metres of storage capacity once completed.
Prof Mbarawa said the investment will enable Tanzania to maintain adequate fuel reserves within its borders, ensuring a stable and secure supply.
He issued the call yesterday during an inspection tour of the Kigamboni fuel storage facility in Dar es Salaam, where construction has reached 33.5 per cent.
“This project, once completed, will ease the cost of living and reduce fuel-related expenses. It will also improve port efficiency by cutting the time needed to offload fuel from seven days to fewer than four,” he said.
The minister noted that of the 15 tanks, six will store diesel, five will hold petrol, three will contain jet fuel, and one will serve as a transfer line connecting different storage points. The project began in August last year and is expected to be completed in August next year.
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Prof Mbarawa also highlighted the financial losses incurred when vessels are forced to wait offshore for extended periods.
“When a ship stays at anchorage, the fuel supplier pays 57m/- per day. If a vessel waits for 20 days, that amounts to nearly 500m/-. These losses do not only affect the supplier, they ultimately impact consumers,” he said, underscoring the need for timely delivery of the project.
He commended President Samia Suluhu Hassan for prioritising major development projects aimed at stimulating economic growth and lowering the cost of living.
TPA Deputy Director-General, Dr Baraka Mdima said preliminary works have been completed and construction is progressing well.
He assured the minister that teams are moving steadily through the remaining phases to ensure the project is finalised within the contractual timeline.
