Africa-Press – Tanzania. THE Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA) has announced its plan to revive Mwanza – Uganda route in Lake Victoria by the end of this year.
TPA Director of Marketing, Mr Freddy Liundi, made the revelation here yesterday during a-two day meeting that brought together stakeholders from within and outside the country, particularly Uganda.
According to him, the route that will be for transporting on-transit cargo which will be brought to Mwanza through railway and then moved to Uganda through waterway, will have at least 5,000 tonnes transported on monthly basis.
“It is from Mwanza to Port Bell in Uganda and then to Kampala. The first consignment will be transported via this route in December this year as pilot. The route re-introduction comes as a result of major improvements in the Tanzanian transport sector and frequent requests from our customers,” he said.
Acting TPA Mwanza Port Manager, Mr Vicent Stephen, said that the authority was well organized for re-introduction of the route, putting in place a 4,800-square metre cargo yard.
“There are also small sheds with capacity to accommodate 1,200 tonnes of the perishable goods. We are assured that all clients who ran away from us due to various challenges will now come back,” he said.
The Head of Uganda Railways Corporation (URC), Mr Ochaki Abubaker, commented that the two countries were committed to revive the route, following its numerous economic benefits to governments and the people of both countries.
The route will trigger farm crops, natural resources like coal and fuel as well as industrial goods transportation due to the reliability of marine transport.
“For instance, it becomes easy for Uganda to import rice from Kahama in Tanzania, by shipping. We know Tanzania also needs a lot from Uganda,” said Ochaki.
Marine Services Company Limited (MSCL) Chief Marketing and Business Officer, Mr Anselm Namala, supported the motion, saying not only vessels’ rehabilitation but also construction of ‘MV Mwanza Hapa Kazi Tu’ that will be serving the route.
“Its capacity is 1,200 passengers and 400 cargo tonnes and will be in operations by September next year,” he said
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