Why recently launched TPA office in Malawi is crucial
TPA director general Plasduce Mbossa. PHOTO | COURTESY
What you need to know:
- The launch was held at the offices located at the Mera Complex in the capital Lilongwe and was witnessed by transport ministers from both countries and other stakeholders in the sector.
Dar es Salaam. Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA) director general Plasduce Mbossa said the newly launched office in Malawi aims at enhancing trade between the two countries, as the authority plans to strengthen its market share in the region.
The launch was held at the offices located at the Mera Complex in the capital Lilongwe and was witnessed by transport ministers from both countries and other stakeholders in the sector.
Speaking during the event, Mr Mbossa said the office would be responsible for provision of reliable information on facilities and services offered by Tanzanian ports: the Dar es Salaam, Kyela, and Mbamba Bay ports among others.
“The information includes dates of vessel arrivals, solutions to challenges facing customers during clearance process of cargo in order to eliminate client’s need to physically travel to Dar es Salaam or other mentioned ports, therefore minimizing costs of doing business,” he said.
He said the office was also expected to recommend credible clearing and forwarding agents, noting that through the Dar es Salaam Port, Malawi imported over 44,200 vehicles that were destined to the country in 2022.
He said RoRo Terminal with 73,000 square meters and the capacity to accommodate 6,000 vehicles at any given time facilitated in importation which translates to 200,000 units a year and the highest level of operational efficiency to offload 100 vehicles per hour.
Mr Mbosa said TPA offers a route proportion of 68 percent of all fuel imports in Malawi, and 9,272 containerized cargo, 20 feet equivalents passed through the port of Dar es Salaam in 2022.
Malawi's Minister for Transport and Public Works, Jacob Hara, hailed the importance of the newly established TPA Malawi Country Office, emphasizing its role in streamlining cargo movement along the Dar es Salaam Corridor and reducing delays for Malawian businesses.
"The presence of an office right here in Malawi is crucial," Hara stated. "It will significantly facilitate the flow of goods and minimize inconveniences experienced by Corridor users."
However, one concern raised by Malawians was the persistent issue of vehicle accessory theft during the clearing process at the Dar es Salaam Port. They urged tightening security measures within the port precincts.
In response, Tanzania's Minister of Works and Transport, Prof Makame Mbarawa, assured that the government, through TPA, has taken substantial steps to address security concerns. "We have installed over 400 CCTV cameras across the port, vastly enhancing security and safeguarding cargo," he declared.
Prof Mbarawa further highlighted additional efforts to improve port infrastructure. These include the rehabilitation of six berths, construction of a new Roll-On-Roll-Off berth, modernization of three quays and one passenger terminal, and various upgrades to operational facilities.
