TAZARA revamp to restore rail’s glory
DAR ES SALAAM: TRANSPORT Minister Prof Makame Mbarawa has expressed optimism that the ongoing 1.4 billion US dollar (about 3.7tri/-) overhaul of the Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA) will revive the railway’s fortunes, restoring its role as a key trade corridor linking the Port of Dar es Salaam with Zambia and the wider Southern African region.
Speaking on Tuesday night during the TAZARA Golden Jubilee gala dinner in Dar es Salaam, Prof Mbarawa said the transformation programme marks the beginning of a new era for the historic railway. He said the investment agreement, signed between TAZARA and China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) in September last year, goes beyond rehabilitating railway infrastructure.
“The partnership represents far more than the rehabilitation of railway infrastructure. It is an investment in regional integration, industrial development, trade competitiveness and the prosperity of our people,” he said.
Prof Mbarawa said the project will include rehabilitation of railway infrastructure, acquisition of modern rolling stock, adoption of advanced technology, institutional reforms and improved operational efficiency to transform TAZARA into a modern, efficient and commercially sustainable railway.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the governments of Tanzania and Zambia to work closely with China to ensure successful implementation of the revitalisation programme.
“Together, we are building a railway that will continue to serve future generations with efficiency, sustainability and excellence,” he said.
Reflecting on TAZARA’s legacy, Prof Mbarawa said the Golden Jubilee commemorates not only 50 years of railway operations but also one of Africa’s greatest development achievements, founded on the vision, solidarity and friendship of Tanzania, Zambia and China.
He said the railway has connected people, cultures and economies for five decades while facilitating regional and international trade, supporting industrialisation, creating employment and expanding markets for farmers and traders.
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“It has served as a powerful symbol of African resilience and one of the world’s finest examples of South-South cooperation,” he said.
TAZARA Managing Director Bruno Ching’andu said the Golden Jubilee crowned a month-long programme celebrating the railway’s history, honouring former and current employees and reflecting on its future.
He credited Presidents Samia Suluhu Hassan and Hakainde Hichilema for providing the leadership that moved the longawaited revitalisation programme from years of discussion to implementation.
“For many years, successive governments searched for a suitable model to restore TAZARA’s operational and financial sustainability. Their commitment has now given renewed hope that TAZARA can once again become a safe, reliable and competitive railway,” he said.
Mr Ching’andu also commended the Chinese Government and President Xi Jinping for their continued support, saying it reflects the enduring friendship that made the construction of TAZARA possible five decades ago.
Chinese Ambassador to Tanzania Chen Mingjian described TAZARA as a lasting symbol of friendship, freedom and shared development among China, Tanzania and Zambia. She said the railway continues to drive economic growth by linking Eastern, Central and Southern Africa.
“China will continue working with countries along the railway corridor to improve multimodal transport, promote industrial parks and special economic zones, advance agricultural modernisation and attract greater investment,” she said.
