Why developing small ports crucial

THE government through the Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA) continues to build essential small port infrastructures on Lake Nyasa to improve the terminals’ performance and accelerate economic growth among the local communities.

There are currently 15 ports on Lake Nyasa, most of them are small ports that cater for the needs of traders, industries and travellers, who rely on the Lake to get to various destinations.

According to TPA’s Manager in charge of Lake Nyasa ports, the sixth phase government under President Samia Suluhu Hassan has allocated 1.1bn/- in the current financial year for the ports upgrading.

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“Among the projects that will be implemented through the funds is the construction of a passenger lounge at Matema Port and landing ramps at Manda, Lupingu and Liuli ports,” he said.

“TPA’s plan is to ensure that all small ports have key infrastructures and facilities for passengers and cargo handling and we’re grateful to President Samia and the sixth phase government for continuously allocating and releasing funds for the improvement and development of our ports across the country,” said Mr Gassaya.

“Our objective is to meet the expectations of the government and our customers and stakeholders by enhancing performance and efficiency at our terminals,” he added.

The TPA Manager underlined the vital role the small ports play in the lives of people along Lake Nyasa and beyond.

He noted that the ports serve as a key link in the local supply chains rural dwellers rely on.

Mr Gassaya added that inland ports are significant to a nation as they promote commercial welfare and trade, hence, noting that more efforts will be placed on upgrading them and soliciting markets in and outside the country to ensure they operate effectively.

Liuli, Manda and Lupingu are among a host of smaller TPA ports on the lake that facilitate passenger and cargo movement along the lake and between Tanzania, Malawi and Mozambique.

Commenting on the government’s efforts to improve water transportation, a Njombe resident, Seifi Rashid maintained that all ports in modern, safe condition should rank high on everyone’s priority list.

He urged the government to initiate talks with the Malawian counterpart to establish ship routes to Malawi and Mozambique so that Tanzanian traders and farmers can tap into the foreign markets.

“We produce enough food and other agricultural products and it is important that we have access to foreign markets to sell our products there, that will promote economic development both at individual and the national level,” he pointed out.

Peter Kijavo, a fisherman, said the small ports are crucial for fishermen since they serve as landing areas and trading centres, hence, urged the government to set up essential facilities to attract more people to use the terminals.

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