DODOMA: MEMBERS of Parliament yesterday hailed President Samia Suluhu Hassan for her strategic decision to engage DP World in operating the Dar es Salaam Port, describing it as a game-changer for the country’s largest harbour.
The accolades came as lawmakers deliberated on the 2024 Report presented by the Chairperson of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Infrastructure Development, Moshi Kakoso.
The MPs acknowledged initial public skepticism when President Samia announced the partnership with the global port operator.
However, they noted that the remarkable improvements since DP World took over operations have silenced the critics.
“When we first defended President Samia’s decision to engage DP World, some Tanzanians mocked us. Today, no one speaks negatively about it because we are now reaping the benefits,” said Joseph Msukuma (CCM – Geita Rural).
Kilombero MP Abubakar Assenga (CCM) echoed similar sentiments, urging Tanzanians to exercise patience and trust presidential decisions.
Singida East MP Miraji Mtaturu (CCM) highlighted the port’s newfound efficiency, which is increasingly attracting businesses from neighbouring countries.
In just five months since DP World began operations at berths 0-7, the port has achieved significant milestones in efficiency and revenue generation.
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Minister of State in the President’s Office for Planning and Investment, Prof Kitila Mkumbo, outlined these achievements during a recent government briefing.
“In the five months (April to September 2024) since DPW Dar es Salaam began operating berths 0-7, the government had collected 325.3bn/- in revenue from the agreements signed between Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA) and DP World, including land rent, royalty and wharfage,” the minister was quoted as saying.
Prof Mkumbo said due to increased revenue and reduced operating costs following the improvements made, the government, through TPA, started investing in projects worth 1.922tril/- using the collections obtained.
He mentioned the projects as the construction of a Single Buoy Mooring (SBM), the construction of Mgao Island Port (Mtwara) and the construction of Dhow Wharves in Dar es Salaam.”
Prof Mkumbo also reported that DP World has reduced ship waiting times from 46 days in May 2024 to an average of seven days, with zero days for container ships, 12 days for bulk carriers and 10 days for general cargo ships.
DP World has reduced the carbon footprint of port operations by using electric cranes.
It has also improved port efficiency, which has led to lower costs for traders and faster cargo removal.
DP World has increased cargo handling tonnage at the port, making it comparable to other marine terminals in the neighbouring countries.
