TRC ordered to maintain safety, efficiency of  SGR service heading to El Niño rains

MOROGORO: THE Tanzanian government has directed Tanzania Railways Corporation (TRC) to ensure that Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) services remain efficient, safe and reliable at all times by strengthening preparedness and response systems to address weather-related challenges.

The move aims to ensure that the government’s major investment in the railway delivers safe, sustainable and dependable services to Tanzanians.

Minister for Transport, Prof. Makame Mbarawa, issued the directive during a working visit to the Kilosa–Gulwe section in Morogoro Region on Wednesday, where he inspected progress and assessed the condition of the railway infrastructure ahead of the anticipated El Niño rains.

“TRC must ensure that SGR services continue to operate efficiently and safely at all times, whether it rains or shines,” he said.

Prof. Mbarawa said TRC should conduct thorough inspections of all vulnerable areas and take preventive measures to reinforce sections facing potential risks before heavy rains begin.

He also urged the corporation to accelerate preparations to mitigate the potential effects of El Niño rains, including flooding and damage to railway infrastructure. He emphasised that public safety must remain the top priority while ensuring that railway services across the country continue operating without disruption.

“Public safety must come first. We must ensure that Tanzanians remain safe at all times. We should not wait for infrastructure to be damaged before taking action. Preparations and preventive measures must be completed early,” he said.

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Prof. Mbarawa further directed TRC to maintain the current pace of work to ensure that all ongoing activities are completed within the scheduled timelines and in accordance with the required standards.

He noted that the government had invested substantial financial resources in development projects, including the SGR, stressing the need to protect and maintain the infrastructure.

“The government has invested a great deal of money in the SGR. It is our responsibility to maintain, protect and continuously strengthen this infrastructure because it is a national investment that we must safeguard,” Prof. Mbarawa emphasised.

For his part, TRC Acting Director of Infrastructure and Construction, Ismail Athuman, said the corporation had conducted inspections of vulnerable areas and railway infrastructure and had prepared equipment and technical personnel to respond to the potential effects of the anticipated rains.