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Tanzania to develop dry ports in the DRC to boost Dar port's competitiveness
What you need to know:
- The landmark development could potentially increase the volume of goods passing through the Port of Dar es Salaam to and from the DRC
Dar es Salaam. The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has allocated land to Tanzania for the establishment of dry ports, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Transport, Prof Godius Kahyarara, has said.
The landmark development could potentially increase the volume of goods passing through the Port of Dar es Salaam to and from the DRC.
This development coincides with a significant increase in cargo, particularly from the DRC. Last year, Dar es Salaam Port handled 3.4 million tonnes of cargo from the DRC, making it the leading user of Tanzania's ports in terms of goods in transit.
Prof Kahyarara told The Citizen in an interview that the documents were officially handed over on June 7 this year in Lubumbashi.
the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Transport, Prof Godius Kahyarara
"The Minister of Transport for the DRC, Marc Ekila Likombo, handed over the documents allocating 60 hectares of land to Tanzania for the establishment of dry ports within the DRC," he said.
According to him, the documents were received by the Deputy Minister of Transport, David Kihenzile, who was accompanied by Tanzania’s Ambassador to the DRC, Mr Said Juma Mshana.
He added that the land allocated is situated in the provinces of Haut-Katanga and Tanganyika.
Explaining further, he stated that the first parcel of land, equivalent to 15 hectares, is located in Kasumbalesa, and another 20 hectares in Kasenga, both situated in Haut-Katanga Province.
"The final parcel is located in Kasombondo Kalemi in Tanganyika Province," he said.
Prof Kahyarara emphasized that this is a crucial step toward realizing the mission and vision of President Samia Suluhu Hassan in revitalizing the economy.
"The Tanzania Ports Authority will collaborate with the DRC to establish the dry ports," he said.
According to the Director-General of the Tanzania Ports Authority, Mr Plasduce Mbossa, efficient cargo transportation necessitates a range of services to mitigate costs.
"After we establish dry ports in the DRC, all cargo clearance will be conducted there instead of in Dar es Salaam," he said.
According to Prof Kahyarara, mining companies are also expected to collaborate on clearing the area, constructing fences, and establishing storage facilities for cargo.
He emphasized that the dry ports will be developed into fully-fledged ports, offering comprehensive services that eliminate the need for customers to travel from the DRC to Dar es Salaam Port.
According to him, the government has opened a TPA office in the DRC, and plans are underway to establish staff presence there.
He further elaborated that members of the private sector are encouraged to invest in warehousing facilities, which will alleviate congestion issues.
Previously, people had to endure long waiting times for cargo clearance.
However, now they will have the convenience of proceeding directly to the dry port in the DRC, where all necessary clearance procedures can be efficiently completed.
“This will consolidate the competitiveness of Dar es Salaam Port within the Central Corridor that serves the DRC, Rwanda, Burundi, Zambia, Uganda, Zimbabwe and Malawi.
