Construction of the Karema Port project on Lake Tanganyika in Tanzania has taken shape. Elisante Edward, the project consultant revealed the report and said that works has reached 38%.
The progress follows Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa’s directive in July last year, for construction work to be done on 24/7 basis in three shifts to complete the project on time. The project began in October 2019 before it experienced some delays last year.
The port project is being constructed by China’s Xiamen Ongoing Construction Group at a cost of US $21M financed by the government, through the Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA). It is aimed to exploit the untapped great potential of a cross-border trade with DR Congo.
Work involves construction of a multi-purpose berth to accommodate to two ships of 75 metres in length, a 22,500 square metre heavy duty pavement, breaking water structure, dredging and deepening of port entrance, office building, passenger lounge and a general cargo storage building. An ICT network and security system, water supply, storage and wastewater treatment system will also be installed to enable developed.
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Gateway for DR Congo and Burundi
The new port will be linked with a standard gauge railway to be constructed from Mpanda District and road to make it a proper gateway for the DR Congo and Burundi to the Asian market through the Dar es Salaam port.
The new Karema port upon completion would be a game changer for Kigoma, Katavi and Rukwa economies as it will attract domestic and foreign investments that will open up job and trade opportunities in the areas.
According to Acting Manager for Lake Tanganyika Ports, Augustine Nyoni the project had also opened trade opportunities where farmers sell rice, maize flour, chicken and vegetable to construction workers.
“This port will enable the nation to make the most of the geographical opportunities we have as well as stimulate economic growth and development,” said Nyoni.
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