Africa-Press – Tanzania. PRIME Minister, Mr Kassim Majaliwa, has called on citizens from Katavi Region and beyond to tap lucrative business and market opportunities once construction of Karema Port on the shoreline of Lake Tanganyika is completed in March next year.
The Premier welcomed local and foreign investors to grab opportunities by establishing modern hotels, guest houses, poultry and horticulture farming as the area is blessed with large tracts of rich and fertile soil.
Mr Majaliwa made the call recently while addressing residents shortly after inspecting the ongoing construction of the strategic Karema Port terminal at Karema Ward along the shoreline of Lake Tanganyika in Tanganyika District, Katavi Region.
The Premier expressed his satisfaction with the construction work that has reached 50 per cent and scheduled for completion by March 2022.
He further explained that the terminal will make a proper gateway for the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Burundi to the Asian markets through the Dar es Salaam Port.
“Farmers and traders should prepare themselves for an expected boom in business once the terminal is completed. They must tap this opportunity, which will attract lucrative market opportunities in DR Congo when the project is completed,” noted the premier.
The project is being constructed by China’s Xiamen Ongoing Construction Group at a cost of over 47.9bn/-, financed by the government through the Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA).
The objective is to exploit the untapped great potential of a cross round trade within Eastern part of DR Congo.
“Things will change for better very soon, I’m highly optimistic of a bright future and prosperity because the terminal will serve as a major regional transport and trading hub in the Eastern and Central Africa,” explained Mr Majaliwa.
The new strategic port terminal will be linked with a Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) to be constructed from Mpanda Town.
Deputy Minister for Transport and Works, Engineer Godfrey Kasekenya briefed the PM that construction work of the project began in October 2019 before it experienced some delays last year.
On her part, Katavi Regional Commissioner, Ms Mwanamvua Mrindoko told the premier that the project had also opened trade opportunities, where vendors sell food and other products to workers at the construction site.
Members of Parliament Mr Juma Kakoso and Sebastian Kapufi from Mpanda Rural and Mpanda Urban constituencies said the port will attract domestic and foreign investments that will open up job and trade opportunities.
Earlier on, TPA Director General, Mr Eric Hamissi told the premier that the civil works involved the construction of a multi – purpose berths to accommodate two ships of seven meters in length, a 22,500 square meters heavy duty pavement, breaking water structure, passengers lounge and a general storage facility.
Others are construction and installation of enabling infrastructure, which include ICT network and security system, water supply storage and wastewater treatment system.
Across section of citizens interviewed by this paper expressed their joy that the project once accomplished will stimulate business and other economic activities in Karema Ward and surrounding villages.
“We are receiving so many people here (Karema) and trade has flourished significantly,” said John Mkomango, a petty trader.
