Tanzania endorses Transport Ministry’s 2.75tri/- budget

DODOMA: THE National Assembly has passed a 2.75 tri/- budget for the Ministry of Transport for the 2025/26 financial year, with the government reiterating its commitment to strengthening the country’s transport and logistics infrastructure.

Winding up the debate on the ministry’s budget yesterday, Minister for Transport, Professor Makame Mbarawa, assured Parliament that all views raised by MPs, particularly on enhancing airport infrastructure and operations along the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) had been taken seriously and were already being acted upon.

Prof Mbarawa said the government, through the Tanzania Airports Authority (TAA), has intensified efforts to formalize and secure land ownership for airports countrywide.

He noted that title deeds for 35 airports have already been obtained, marking a milestone in infrastructure planning.

“The process of surveying and planning is nearing completion for eight airports Tabora, Manyoni, Dodoma, Kondoa, Ngara, Mwanza, Mafia, and Masasi and their title deeds are expected to be secured before the end of the 2024/25 financial year,” he said.

Regarding Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA), he said major projects are underway to upgrade the facility to international standards.

These include the rehabilitation of the runway to accommodate large aircraft, the construction of new VIP and CIP lounges, and a new cargo terminal, along with the renovation of the existing passenger terminal.

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“To implement these projects, 35bn/- has been allocated in the 2025/26 budget. The contractor procurement process is expected to commence soon,” said the minister.

He further revealed that the government has set aside 22bn/- for the development of airports in Singida, Manyara, Simiyu, and Njombe regions, with a focus on ensuring all airports are built to tarmac standards. Additionally, the government is seeking funds to pay the advance payment for the 120bn/- Lindi Airport project, for which a contractor has already been secured.

On the SGR, Prof Mbarawa confirmed that the government is opening doors for private sector participation in freight operations, particularly between Dar es Salaam and Dodoma.

“Following the enactment of the Open Access Law, the ministry has completed the necessary regulations. Several Tanzanian companies have already expressed interest in operating freight services on the SGR,” he said.

He disclosed that freight services on the Dar es Salaam Dodoma section are expected to begin by June 2025, adding that the initiative will significantly reduce traffic congestion in the city.

Providing updates on the remaining SGR phases, Prof Mbarawa noted that the Makutupora–Tabora section is 14.53 percent complete, Tabora–Isaka is 6.55 percent complete, Mwanza–Isaka is at 63.16 percent, and Tabora–Kigoma is 7.88 percent complete.

He said a total of 1.8 tri/- has been allocated in the new budget to fast-track the construction of these segments.