The Tanzania Meteorological Authority (TMA) has officially commissioned two upgraded weather radars located in Mwanza and Dar es Salaam, following extensive upgrades by Enterprises Electronic Corporation (EEC) from Alabama, USA.
Funded by the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania through the development budget, the upgrades aimed to enhance the radars' efficiency. After being in service for over 10 years, the radars’ outdated Edge 5 software was replaced with the latest Edge 6 technology to improve image clarity and interpretation. These improvements align the upgraded radars with newly installed ones in Mtwara, Mbeya, and Kigoma, integrating them into the national radar system (MOZAIC).
Speaking during the handover ceremony at the Dar es Salaam radar station, TMA’s Acting Director for Zanzibar, Mr. Masoud Faki, expressed satisfaction with the performance of the upgraded system. He noted that the new radar in Dar es Salaam will significantly enhance the ability to monitor and provide early warnings for severe weather events, including cyclones along the northern coast.
"I am impressed with the replacement of these instruments. The radars now provide high-resolution images that can cover offshore areas, allowing us to better predict severe weather events and protect communities from disasters," Mr. Masoud said.
He also commended the government for investing in meteorological infrastructure, including the installation of new weather radars in Mtwara, Kigoma, and Mbeya. With these additions, Tanzania now operates five radars, with plans to expand the network to seven across the country.
Mr. Edwin Kasanga, Director of INFRATECH LIMITED, the local partner representing EEC in Tanzania, handed over the project. He confirmed that the Mwanza radar upgrade was completed in July, while the Dar es Salaam upgrade was finalized in October 2024.
Mr. Kasanga encouraged TMA engineers to apply the knowledge gained during their training in the USA to maximize the radars' capabilities and ensure the systems are used effectively.
The upgraded radars can now monitor weather events within a range of over 250 kilometers, significantly enhancing TMA’s ability to forecast and manage severe weather conditions.