Permanent
Secretary Dr. Natu E. Mwamba and Chief Representative of JICA, Mr. Ara
Hitoshi Sign the Grant Agreement. Photo: Courtesy
By Adonis Byemelwa
Dar es Salaam: Japan
and Tanzania have united in a landmark agreement to transform Kigoma Port,
injecting Sh 53 billion into a project set to elevate regional connectivity and
fuel economic growth.
The partnership, formalized by Mr.
Ara Hitoshi of the JICA Tanzania Office and Dr. Natu Mwamba, Permanent
Secretary of Tanzania's Ministry of Finance, underlines a robust commitment to
infrastructure development and bilateral cooperation.
This initiative, signed on July 11,
2024, marks a pivotal step towards fostering sustainable development and
enhancing transport logistics across Lake Tanganyika and neighboring countries
including Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Zambia.
Dr. Mwamba hailed the project as a
crucial component of Tanzania's Development Plan III, aimed at enhancing
competitiveness and fostering industrialization. She expressed gratitude for
Japan's continued support, affirming the project's potential to stimulate
economic activities and promote stability in the region.
"The rehabilitation of Kigoma Port is pivotal for our strategic goals of economic development and regional integration," remarked Dr. Mwamba.
Artistic
Impression of the Kigoma Port PassengerTerminal:(Source:
JICA)
Mr. Ara highlighted JICA's
longstanding partnership with Tanzania, emphasizing the agency's dedication to
enhancing transport infrastructure and promoting sustainable development.
He emphasized the significance of Kigoma Port
in facilitating trade and movement of goods across Lake Tanganyika, linking
Tanzania with neighboring countries including Burundi, the Democratic Republic
of Congo (DRC), and Zambia.
"The project will not only
improve port facilities but also contribute to safer and more efficient
transport logistics," stated Mr. Ara.
The rehabilitation project encompasses
the upgrade of passenger wharf facilities, the construction of a modern
passenger terminal building, and the development of a reliable port access
road.
These improvements aim to streamline
passenger and cargo handling, enhancing safety and efficiency while supporting
economic activities along the shores of Lake Tanganyika and beyond.
Japan's commitment to Tanzania's
development dates back decades, with JICA playing a crucial role in various
infrastructure projects across the country.
Initiatives such as the Selandar
Bridge construction, the rehabilitation of key roads, and the Rusumo
International Bridge demonstrate Japan's enduring support for Tanzania's
infrastructure development and economic growth.
"This project is a testament to
our ongoing partnership with Tanzania, aimed at fostering sustainable
development and enhancing connectivity within the East African region,"
Mr. Ara affirmed.
Tanzania, now classified as a lower-middle-income
country with a GNI per capita of $1,080 (2020, World Bank), is committed to
advancing a competitive industrial economy to promote human development.
Key priorities include improving
infrastructure, ensuring reliable energy access, enhancing the business
environment for private sector growth, and integrating education and research
with economic activities (2021, National Five-Year Development Plan III).
JICA's support focuses on
driving economic growth, developing essential infrastructure, and improving
governance and public service delivery. These initiatives are designed to
accelerate Tanzania's development goals and foster sustainable progress.
The Sh3 billion Grant Agreement signifies a significant step towards realizing Tanzania's developmental goals, promoting regional integration, and strengthening ties between Japan and Tanzania.
