TPA refutes reports of workers’ strike

DAR ES SALAAM: THE Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA) has denied reports circulating on social media that workers at the Dar es Salaam Port have gone on strike, causing disruptions in cargo handling.

The rumors began last Sunday, attributing the workers’ strike to the termination of their job contracts. In a statement released on Monday by TPA, it was clarified that there is no sabotage or strike at the Dar es Salaam Port. The statement emphasised that ship handling services are continuing as usual in all berths.

“There have been no reports of any TPA employee being prevented from carrying out their duties. All employees are fulfilling their responsibilities as scheduled in their respective sections,” the statement read.

The TPA management stated that they are supervising all sections and departments 24 hours a day to ensure quality services with high efficiency.

“The TPA’s director-general, in collaboration with department and section directors, can be reached at any time at their office or through their phones,” the statement continued.

The TPA also revealed it has been publishing various information related to its operations, including the number of ships handled at berths and outer anchorage, to keep customers informed.

To address misinformation, the statement mentioned that TPA will take action against anyone spreading false information with the intention of tarnishing the authority’s image.

TPA encouraged customers and stakeholders to continue using the Dar es Salaam Port and other ports without panic, reassuring them of the commitment to providing quality services and addressing challenges by partnering with all stakeholders in the maritime supply chain.

The Dar es Salaam Port handles about 95 per cent of the country’s international trade, serving neighbouring countries such as Zambia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, Rwanda, Malawi, Uganda and Zimbabwe.