DAR ES SALAAM: THE Director General of the Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA), Mr Plasduce Mbossa, has announced plans to expand the authority’s ports to maintain competitive services in the African and global markets.
Speaking at the launch of Customer Service Week, which began yesterday, Mr Mbossa stated that TPA is positioning itself to be more competitive through ongoing investments in various ports across the country.
This includes a plan to expand and construct ten additional berths at the Dar es Salaam port to enhance efficiency and productivity.
“To ensure our customers continue to receive high-quality and appropriate services, we have initiated a plan to add ten berths at the Dar es Salaam port.
This will broaden the business market for users of our port, as efficiency will be greatly improved to meet our customers’ needs,” he said.
He further said that TPA is enhancing the infrastructure of its ports, including Bagamoyo, Tanga, Mtwara, Mbamba Bay and other ports under its management.
“All these efforts are aimed at stimulating the national economy through our ports in collaboration with existing investors. We are committed to unlocking the national economy using our ports, which is why, we continue to improve various aspects of our facilities to serve both domestic and international clients effectively,” he said.
“Through the investments we have made in our ports, we are already witnessing significant improvements in service delivery compared to several years ago.
This is a result of the government under President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s efforts to implement major operational reforms in our ports to enhance trade and boost the country’s economy,” Mr Mbossa stated.
He noted that the transportation sector currently contributes over 7.3 per cent to the national GDP, with goals to increase this to 15 per cent.
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“To achieve these goals, TPA is partnering with major shipping companies worldwide to ensure that goods are brought in larger quantities and at lower prices, thereby facilitating trade and expanding business opportunities with neighbouring countries.”
“In addition to improving our ports, TPA is enhancing payment systems, especially through digital platforms, enabling customers to pay for their goods or cargo from anywhere without needing to visit an office.”
Mr Mbossa also encouraged local and international traders to continue utilising Tanzania’s ports for their shipping needs, emphasising that current efficiency levels are significantly better than before.
Meanwhile, Head of Operations at Tanzania East Africa Gateway Terminal Limited (TEAGTL), Donald Tawala noted that the port has been making improvements in various areas.
He stated that in collaboration with TPA, they have undertaken substantial reforms in service delivery, including enhancements in payment systems and loading and unloading processes.
The goal of these reforms is to ensure increased efficiency at the ports