Dar es Salaam. The World Bank has expressed admiration for the significant progress made by the Tanzanian government in the construction of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) project, pledging its continued support for the crucial infrastructure project that is set to boost trade and economic growth in the country.
This statement was made on Friday, December 13, 2024, in Dar es Salaam by Ms Wendy Hughes, the World Bank’s Director for Africa, Infrastructure, during her working visit to Tanzania.
Ms Hughes met with three key government ministers, led by Minister for Finance Dr Mwigulu Nchemba, Minister for Transport Prof Makame Mbarawa, and Minister for Works Dr. Abdallah Ulega.
Accompanied by World Bank Country Director Nathan Belete and senior bank officials, Ms Hughes shared her positive impression after traveling on the railway from Dar es Salaam to Dodoma.
She was impressed by the international standards of the railway’s quality.
“The World Bank continues to review the requests submitted by the Tanzanian government and is ready to provide further support for this strategic project,” said Ms Hughes.
She also emphasized the importance of involving the private sector to ensure the success and sustainability of the SGR project.
During the meeting, Dr Nchemba and Prof Mbarawa thanked the World Bank for its financial backing, highlighting the project’s significant milestones and its potential to serve as a model for Africa and the world.
The SGR project, which costs over Sh10 trillion, is pivotal for enhancing trade and passenger transport not just within Tanzania, but across the Great Lakes region.
It is expected to increase cross-border trade, alleviate unemployment, and promote regional integration.
The meeting, which also included leaders from transport and construction institutions, covered three main topics: The Dar es Salaam Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project, theSGR project, and ways to strengthen public-private partnerships (PPP) to enhance project implementation.
The government and the World Bank are committed to working together to ensure the success of these transformative projects, which are set to shape Tanzania’s future economic landscape.
