Construction of Lot 5 of Tanzania’s SGR reaches 63 percent
What you need to know:
- Prof Mbarawa reported that significant progress had been made, with embankment works now 89 percent complete and bridges and culverts surpassing 70 percent completion.
Simiyu. The construction of Lot Five of Tanzania’s Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), running from Mwanza to Isaka in Shinyanga, has reached 63.04 percent completion, Transport Minister Prof Makame Mbarawa has confirmed.
Speaking during a one-day visit to Malampaka Town in Simiyu Region on Friday, Prof Mbarawa reported that significant progress had been made, with embankment works now 89 percent complete and bridges and culverts surpassing 70 percent completion.
“The remaining 37 percent of the project is expected to be finalised on schedule, despite ongoing construction challenges posed by the rainy season,” he assured.
Once completed, the SGR project is expected to deliver substantial economic benefits to the Lake Zone and beyond.
The government remains committed to ensuring its timely completion, enabling citizens to access modern railway services similar to those already operational in Dar es Salaam, Morogoro, and Dodoma.
“The government will closely monitor the contractor to ensure timely payments and strict adherence to deadlines so that the project is completed as planned,” Prof Mbarawa said.
Project Manager Moga Kulwa confirmed that work was progressing well, with only minor tasks remaining, such as the installation of railway sleepers.
Meanwhile, Simiyu Regional Commissioner Kenani Kiongosi praised the minister’s visit, stating that the modern railway would bring immense benefits to the region and the country at large.
Tanzania Railways Corporation (TRC) Director General Masanja Kadogosa acknowledged that heavy rains had caused temporary delays but assured that construction would accelerate by April, following improved logistical arrangements.
SGR Lot Five spans 249 kilometres of the main railway line, with an additional 92 kilometres of passing loops. Upon completion, this multi-trillion-shilling project is expected to enhance regional trade, benefiting the Lake Zone, the Great Lakes countries, and the national economy.
The project, undertaken by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) and CRCC, is estimated to cost $1.321 billion (approximately Sh3.45 trillion).
The modern railway is expected to boost transportation efficiency, facilitating the movement of goods from the Lake Zone to the Port of Dar es Salaam.
