TZ eyes bloc trade with L. Victoria ports expansion
MWANZA: THE government, through the Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA), has expressed its commitment to strengthening and enhancing business relations between Tanzania and its neighbouring countries, Uganda and Kenya, via Lake Victoria.
The commitment comes after the significant investments being made in the construction, expansion and renovations of ports on Lake Victoria, costing over 60bn/-.
The initiative includes the expansion of the Mwanza North port, a major facility in the region, with an investment of approximately 18.6 bn/-, currently 40 per cent complete.
This was stated by the Mwanza Regional Commissioner, Mr Said Mtanda, during a press conference held in Mwanza yesterday.
He noted that the government’s decision to invest in the ongoing port expansion is driven by the significance of increasing investment activities in Lake Victoria.
“Our trade relations with Kenya and Uganda through Lake Victoria will strengthen further due to the improved port infrastructure and the ongoing construction of vessels,” said Mr Mtanda.
He emphasised that, in addition to Mwanza being a major trade hub through the construction and expansion of these ports, particularly the Mwanza North port, the region is set to become a significant economic gateway in the Lake Victoria zone.
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Furthermore, he noted that the completion of the Mwanza North port will boost the region’s economy and enhance passenger and cargo transport to and from Mwanza, directing it to other areas like Bukoba and Uganda.
In achievement of this endeavors, he said the government has also invested about 123bn/- in building a large ship named “MV Mwanza Hapa Kazi Tu,” which is nearing completion, currently over 96 per cent finished.
He expressed gratitude to the sixth-phase government for allocating such a substantial amount of funds to enhance and improve this strategic infrastructure for economic growth.
Additionally, he noted that besides Mwanza, other ports undergoing expansion and renovations include Kemondo and Bukoba ports, which are over 70 per cent complete.
He commended the TPA for its effective management of the ports, including improvements and expansions across various ports in the country, including those on Lake Victoria.
“We are witnesses to this, as these projects are taking place in our areas and their diligent management encourages the government to allocate more funds to ensure these projects are executed and completed on time,” he said.
