The Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA) has announced significant achievements for the previous year, highlighted by a 17 percent increase in revenue collection during the first quarter of the 2023/2024 financial year. The parliamentary Committee on Infrastructure Development revealed that revenue collected through TPA ports surged from 310.78 billion Tanzanian Shillings to 365.12 billion Tanzanian Shillings.
In a presentation to the National Assembly on Monday, Selemani Kakoso, the Chairman of the Committee, outlined the outcomes of inspections conducted at Dar es Salaam, Lindi, and Mtwara ports. Kakoso highlighted various accomplishments, including the ability of Dar es Salaam, Tanga, and Mtwara ports to accommodate larger vessels following infrastructure upgrades.
Kakoso stated, "The cargo volume handled by TPA ports increased by 17.5 percent from 5.81 million tonnes to 6.83 million tonnes in the first quarter of 2023/24." He also noted advancements in project implementation, such as the initial phase of the Dar es Salaam Maritime Gateway Program (DMGP) and enhancements at Tanga Port.
Mtwara Port's capability to handle large ships throughout the year, particularly for direct ships and coal consignments, was underscored. The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) market remains a strong transit cargo destination, constituting 42 percent of cargo handled.
However, challenges persist, including slow cargo offloading leading to congestion at Dar es Salaam Port, insufficient ICT systems, funding shortages, workforce and equipment deficits, and a lack of passenger ships servicing routes between Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, and Mtwara.
The National Assembly resolved that the government should allocate 35 billion Tanzanian Shillings monthly from wharfage charges to TPA to enhance infrastructure development and operational efficiency. Kakoso emphasized that the current revenue collection arrangement limits TPA's capacity to improve port infrastructure and hampers revenue generation.
Minister for Transport Prof Makame Mbarawa acknowledged Dar es Salaam Port's vital role in the regional economy and revealed plans to expand port facilities. The construction of a 590-meter-long berth at Malindi capable of accommodating two ships concurrently is in progress, with funds secured for the project. Additionally, plans are underway for a modern oil offloading and storage port, aimed at reducing congestion at Dar es Salaam Port.
Further measures to alleviate congestion include the construction of new berths and the development of a specialized terminal at Mtwara Port for coal shipments. The government's initiatives underscore its commitment to enhancing port infrastructure and addressing operational challenges faced by TPA.