Mbarawa lauds TPA for new Mbamba Bay Port construction

NYASA, RUVUMA: MINISTER for Transport, Professor Makame Mbarawa has praised the Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA) for the planned construction of the new Mbamba Bay Port on the shores of Lake Nyasa in the Nyasa district, saying the project will lead to significant social and economic impact to Ruvuma region and neighbouring countries.

Speaking after visiting the 75.8bn/- project, the minister said the new port will facilitate rapid transportation of goods, including industrial products, agricultural produce and fishery products to neighbouring countries such as Mozambique, Malawi and Zambia from the Mtwara Port via Lake Nyasa.

He said the construction is part of the government’s ongoing strategy through TPA to enhance various ports across the country.

“I commend TPA for constructing this unique port of its kind in the Lake Nyasa.

This project, in addition to creating jobs, will boost the economy of our country and neighbouring countries, said Minister Mbarawa.

He reiterated the government’s commitment under President Samia Suluhu Hassan to build modern infrastructure in all ports across the country to promote economic growth and create job opportunities for Tanzanians.

He urged TPA to effectively oversee the construction of the port in collaboration with the project consultant and contractor to ensure timely completion and commencement of services.

During the project briefing, TPA Deputy Director, Mr Juma Kijavara, explained that the construction of the new modern port will include, among other facilities, the building of two berths, each 103 meters long, with the capacity to accommodate two large vessels, unlike the current port, which mainly serves small boats for cargo and passengers.

Also, the new port will involve the construction of warehouses, staff housing, an administration building, a passenger terminal, a workshop, a water tank tower and a health services building.

There will also be a 105-meter long and 15-metre-wide bridge for cargo vehicles and a designated area for storing 3,000 cargo containers.

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The construction will also include internal and external roads for vehicle access to and from the port.

Earlier, the project engineer from TPA, John Paul, reported that the project is currently at 6 per cent with ongoing work including engineering designs, site preparation, construction of contractor and consultant offices and mobilisation of equipment and machinery for the project