Tanzania's Kwala Dry Port Completion Expected to Ease Dar es Salaam’s Lorry Gridlock

Tanzania’s Kwala dry port is expected to ease Dar es Salaam’s lorry gridlock as its completion takes shape. The port has already commenced handling cargo offloaded at the seaport. This achievement follows the successful processing of 700 containers at the facility. Furthermore, the numbers are expected to rise significantly once the dry port is integrated with the SGR. The facility is expected to handle 823 containers per day, including shipments destined for neighboring countries. The estimates average approximately 300,395 containers annually, equivalent to 30 percent of the total container volume currently managed at the Port of Dar es Salaam. Once fully operational, the dry port will enable lorries to pick up cargo from the Coast Region. Moreover, it will reduce transportation costs and long delays of travelling to the Dar Port. The Tanzania Port Authority has ensured that the completion of the port is done accordingly and effectively.

The Significance of Tanzania’s Kwala Dry Port in

The Chief Government Spokesperson, Gerson Msigwa, noted the significance of Tanzania’s Kwala Dry Port during a media briefing. “The goal of the Kwala Dry Port is to encourage business operators to collect their cargo here. Additionally, we are working on the Dar es Salaam ring road to ensure lorries causing congestion use an alternative route,” he noted. His insight on the project comes amid increasing complaints about traffic congestion in Dar es Salaam.

One of the factors facilitating this congestion is the heavy lorries making their way to the Dar Port. Beyond decongestion on the roads, Tanzania’s Kwala Dry Port aims to reduce cargo congestion at the main port. The backlog results from limited unloading space and increased cargo volume. Furthermore, the project is expected to strengthen economic activities in Dar es Salaam and the Coast regions. Reducing vehicle congestion is one of the ways the government seeks to achieve this. “This decision was made to increase cargo handling capacity and boost government revenue,” Msigwa said.