Mtwara Port investment fuels economic activities

MTWARA: INVESTMENT in Mtwara Port is beginning to transform economic activities in the region, with rising cargo volumes creating new opportunities for traders, transport operators and other service providers while strengthening the port’s role as a gateway to neighbouring countries.

The transformation follows government investment through the Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA) in infrastructure, modern equipment and cargo-handling facilities to improve efficiency and enable the port to operate throughout the year.

Acting Mtwara Port Manager Hekima Ngezi told journalists yesterday that the port had traditionally depended on seasonal agricultural cargo, particularly groundnuts and cashew nuts, but was now handling a wider range of consignments.

These include fuel, cashew nuts, coal, pigeon peas, cement, heavy-duty vehicles and equipment for strategic projects.

“From February this year to date, we have handled 23 ships and 6,390 vehicles,” he said.

The development is increasing Mtwara’s importance in Tanzania’s transport and logistics network, particularly for cargo destined for neighbouring countries.

The port’s berths have increased from three to four, with one measuring 300 metres and having a water depth of 13 metres, enabling it to accommodate larger vessels.

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The government is also constructing another 300-metre berth at Kisiwa Mpangawe/Kisiwa Mgao, with a water depth of 15 metres.

Mr Ngezi said the project was 44 per cent complete and expected to be completed next year.

The new facility will handle dusty cargo such as cement and coal, with the Kisiwa Mgao area expected to have capacity for up to 100,000 tonnes. He said the expansion would enable Mtwara to handle more cargo as trade increased.

The port is also being positioned as a key link in the Southern Corridor, connecting Mtwara with Lindi and Ruvuma and eventually to Malawi through Mbamba Bay.

Mr Ngezi said the corridor would create new opportunities for businesses while providing an alternative route for cargo destined for neighbouring countries