Minister proposes shift in national transport policy focus

MINISTER for Transport, Professor Makame Mbarawa has proposed a significant shift in the focus of the National Transport Policy
MINISTER for Transport, Professor Makame Mbarawa

DODOMA: MINISTER for Transport, Professor Makame Mbarawa has proposed a significant shift in the focus of the National Transport Policy, suggesting that the sector should evolve from being seen merely as a service provider to adopting a more business-oriented approach.

In a statement made yesterday, Prof Mbarawa directed that the update of the 2003 National Transport Policy be completed within the next ten months.

He emphasised that historically, the government has been the primary provider of transportation services. To address this, he recommended that the revised policy encourage greater private sector involvement, particularly in infrastructure development and service delivery.

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Prof Mbarawa also highlighted the need for the policy to tackle high infrastructure costs and address the increasing problem of sabotage in transport infrastructure. He proposed that the new policy include strategies to mitigate these issues.

Additionally, he suggested the creation of a dedicated policy for water transport to enhance the blue economy.

The minister stressed that the updated policy should prioritise skill development across all transport sub-sectors to ensure a skilled workforce.

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This is especially crucial with the recent introduction of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), for which the policy should outline strategies for building expertise in infrastructure maintenance, operation and financial management.

Furthermore, Prof Mbarawa emphasised the importance of incorporating environmentally sustainable transport systems, promoting Green Transport.

He also recommended that the policy explore emerging areas such as cable car systems and encourage innovation in infrastructure maintenance, ensuring each sub-sector has dedicated funding.

The minister underscored that the National Transport Policy is a national initiative and therefore, all stakeholders, both within and outside the ministry, should be invited to contribute their perspectives.

This inclusive approach will help ensure the policy is comprehensive and effectively addresses all aspects of the transport sector.

Prof Mbarawa urged relevant departments to prepare thoroughly for timely review and feedback on reports submitted to the ministry, in line with the project’s schedule.

He also advised that the policy take into account key factors such as the country’s growing population and geographic advantages to enhance the transport sector.

In his closing remarks, the minister expressed a vision of positioning Tanzania as a transportation hub for Africa.

He called for all findings from stakeholder assessments and feedback to be integrated into the new policy.

He emphasised the need for meticulous and inclusive preparation to address the challenges and opportunities within the transport sector effectively.

Prof Mbarawa also directed that input be gathered from all stakeholders, including the private sector and suggested examining successful transport policies from other countries to ensure the revised policy is both practical and sustainable.