Dar es Salaam. On Thursday of this week, the Board of Directors of the Tanzania Shipping Agency Corporation (TASAC) expressed their enthusiasm for the ongoing construction of the Mbamba Bay port in the Nyasa district.
The port, which is being built with an investment of over Sh75.8 billion, is set to become a vital economic hub for Tanzania, contributing to regional development and enhancing connectivity between Tanzania and neighboring countries.
The Chairperson of the TASAC Board, Captain Mussa Mandia, highlighted the significance of the project as part of Tanzania’s broader efforts to improve its infrastructure and foster economic growth.
“We are impressed by the government’s investment in building a strategic port that will not only boost trade but also facilitate the safe transport of goods and passengers,” he said.
Captain Mandia said the project is in line with the Sixth Phase Government’s vision led by President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan.
One of the key features of this project is the construction of a road linking the port to the Mbinga district, which will also connect it to the Mtwara port.
This infrastructure is essential for improving transportation and ensuring the smooth flow of goods to and from the port.
However, while the project is progressing well, Captain Mandia stressed the importance of prioritizing safety measures in the port’s design and development.
“We have seen the blueprint of the port as it will look once completed, but we advise the Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA) to establish safety plans before the port begins operating,” he said.
The TASAC Board also directed TPA to focus on safety during the construction phase of the port.
Captain Mandia emphasized that the authority should ensure the installation of critical safety infrastructure, including a communication tower for ship-to-shore communication and a dedicated docking area for rescue boats in case of emergencies.
Mr Nelson Mlali, the Acting Director General of TASAC, emphasized the importance of ensuring that the port’s design meets the necessary safety standards.
“TASAC is responsible for ensuring that the infrastructure supports safe docking and mooring of vessels, and we urge TPA to address these concerns early in the development process,” he said.
He also called on other institutions involved in the project to visit the site and provide early input to improve the design and safety aspects of the port.
The Mbamba Bay Port is crucial for facilitating the transport of passengers and cargo between the Kyela area and the port itself.
It will also serve as a key transit point for the shipment of agricultural products, coal, and construction materials to neighboring Malawi.
This will not only boost trade but also contribute to regional integration, creating new economic opportunities for local communities in both Tanzania and Malawi.
