Truck operators want terminal upgrades before relocation

NYAMAGANA: TRANSPORT stakeholders in Mwanza have said they are ready to relocate to the designated Nyabulogoya truck terminal in Nyamagana District, but have urged authorities to address infrastructure and operational challenges before the move.

They cited poor road conditions, inadequate social services, limited parking space and concerns over traffic congestion as key issues requiring immediate attention.

Mwanza Regional Chairperson of the Tanzania Truck Owners Association (TATOA), Mr Mfuko Mahalu, said the feeder road to Nyabulogoya is hilly and slippery, making it particularly unsafe during the expected El Niño rains.

“Apart from the limited capacity of the terminal, the space also serves as an open market every Tuesday, and we have not been informed how business will be conducted on that day,” Mr Mahalu said.

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He said the association had consistently proposed Buhongwa as a permanent truck terminal, arguing that the site could accommodate about 200 trucks, compared with Nyabulogoya’s estimated capacity of about 50.

According to Mr Mahalu, Buhongwa’s location on the outskirts of the city would also help ease traffic congestion compared with Nyabulogoya, which is located only a few kilometres from the city centre.

He also called for equal enforcement of relocation measures, saying some trucks continue to operate from different parts of the city during the daytime despite existing restrictions.

“This is unfair because we are all paying the same levies,” he said.

Truck driver, Erick Edson, supported the proposal, saying Mchafukuoga could also be a suitable alternative because of its relatively flat terrain.

“It might happen that no truck will enter or leave Nyabulogoya during the rains,” he said. Responding to the concerns, Nyamagana District Commissioner, Amina Makilagi, said the government had accepted the proposal to establish a permanent truck terminal at Buhongwa.

She said property valuation for people expected to vacate the area was underway, alongside the preparation of design drawings and other preliminary arrangements.

Ms Makilagi said Nyabulogoya would continue serving as a temporary terminal as preparations for the permanent facility progressed.

“The government prioritises community engagement to reach a win-win solution. We will continue holding discussions with transport stakeholders, and nothing will remain unsolved,” Ms Makilagi said.