Where the bulk of Works development funds will go

Dodoma. The Works and Transport ministry plans to spend Sh3.418 trillion in development financing during the 2023/24 financial year, with over two-thirds of the money expected to be channelled into six key projects.

The projects that are to be allocated Sh2.3 trillion of the ministry’s development expenditure include construction of seven new roads, ongoing construction of the standard gauge railway (SGR) and upgrade of ports.

The list also includes acquisition of new aircraft for Air Tanzania Company Limited (ATCL), railway infrastructure projects implemented by Tanzania Railways Corporation (TRC), as well as procurement and rehabilitation of ships.

Presenting his docket’s 2023/24 budget proposals in Parliament yesterday, Works and Transport minister Makame Mbarawa said the government plans to commence implementation of seven new road projects next financial year.

The projects will eventually cover 2,035 kilometres, with a total of Sh3.7 trillion expected to be spent.

Construction of the seven roads will be implemented under the Engineering, Procurement, Construction and Financing (EPC+F) procedure.

The roads and their respective lengths in kilometres in brackets are Kidatu-Ifakara-Lupiro-Malinyi-Kilosa kwa Mpepo-Londo-Lumecha/Songea (435); Karatu-Mbulu-Haydom-Sibiti River-Lalago-Maswa (339) and Handeni-Kibirashi-Kijungu-Kibaya-Njoro-Olboroti-Mrijochini-Dalai-Chambalo-Chemba-Kwa Mtoro-Singida (460).

Others are Arusha-Kibaya-Kongwa Junction (453.42); Masasi-Nachingwea-Liwale (175); Igawa-Songwe-Tunduma (218); a bypass stretching from Uyole to Songwe (48.9) and Mafinga-Mtwango-Mgololo (81).

“These roads will significantly unlock economic opportunities in these areas and the nation at large. Contractors have already been found and contracts will be signed before the end of June 2023,” Prof Mbarawa said.

He added that implementation of the projects follows a directive by President Samia Suluhu Hassan that is aimed at further opening up the country.

“It will be the first time in the country’s history for road projects with a total distance of 2,035 kilometres and costing over Sh3.7 trillion to be implemented at once under this procedure,” Prof Mbarawa said.

He said in the 2023/24 financial year, Sh1.113 trillion would be used to fund implementation of the SGR project and procurement of locomotives and wagons for passengers and cargo.

The funds will also be used to implement nine activities, including completing construction of the SGR between Dar es Salaam and Morogoro (300km) and Morogoro-Makutupora (422km).

“We will also continue with construction of the SGR from Mwanza-Isaka (341km); Makutopora-Tabora (368km); Tabora-Isaka (165km) and Tabora-Kigoma (506km).

“The funds will be used to construct a railway from Uvinza to Musongati-Gitega (282km) as funds are mobilised for the Kaliua-Mpanda-Karema (321km) and Isaka-Rusumo (371km) railway projects.”

Prof Mbarawa said Sh820 billion has been allocated to the Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA) for execution of its development projects, with Sh662.98 billion being from domestic sources and Sh93.8 billion from the World Bank.

According to him, TPA will use the funds to improve rail infrastructure at Dar es Salaam Port and deepen and widen the entrance channel and turning basin to 15.5 metres.

“The funds will also be used for deepening and strengthening berths number eight to 11 to reach 14.5 metres and continue with a feasibility study for construction of berths number 12 to 15,” the minister told the House.

Regarding implementation of projects by TRA under the Railway Infrastructure Fund (RIF), Prof Mbarawa said Sh294.8 billion has been allocated for rehabilitation of existing railway infrastructure, equipment renovation and preparation of railway construction projects.

“Some activities that will be implemented include rehabilitating Kaliua-Mpanda (210km); Tabora-Kigoma (411km) and Tabora-Isaka-Mwanza (385km) railways.

“Others are construction of a 6.2 kilometres railway and bridge between Godegode and Gulwe (345-355km); renovation of Tanga-Arusha Railway (470km) and Kilosa-Gulwe (100km).”

He said the disused railways of Kilosa-Kidatu (108km) and Manyoni-Singida (115km) will be revived and workshops, stations and railway buildings revamped.

The government also plans to spend Sh300 billion for strengthening the aviation transport by completing contractual payment for three new aircraft – a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner and two Boeing 737-9’s.

He said preliminary payment will also be done for procurement of new planes including a Boeing 737–7 and DeHavilland Q400.

“Preliminary expenditure for the arrival of three new aircraft – a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner and two Boeing 737-9’s – will be made in the areas of insurance, inspectors and spare parts.”

In a bid to strengthen marine transport and transportation, Prof Mbawara said Sh100 billion would be used by Marine Services Company Limited (MSCL) to manufacture a 3,500 tonnes capacity cargo ship, a passenger’s ship with a capacity to carry 600 people and 400 tonnes of cargo along the Lake Tanganyika.

“Construction of a shipyard along Lake Tanganyika, rehabilitation of MV Liemba along Lake Tanganyika; major renovation to tanker vessels; MT. Ukerewe and MT. Nyangumi plying along Lake Victoria.”

Delivering the Infrastructure Development Committee’s views on the proposals, the team’s chairman, Mr Selemani Kakoso, said TRC, TPA and Air Tanzania Company Limited (ATCL) should be properly supervised.

“The government should re-evaluate the possession of its aircrafts through ATCL. The government should closely monitor the maintenance of two engines to ensure the job is completed immediately.

“In order to contain ballooning debts, the government should assist ATCL to face the situation. The government should also improve the training of pilots and aircraft engineers in order to increase their number in the country,” he added.