TICTS extends to Rwanda, wins global respect

DAILY NEWS Reporter

TICTS Chief Executive Officer Paul Wallace

TANZANIA International Container Terminal (TICTS) envisages extending wings to neighbouring Rwanda, hardly a month after winning global respect as one of Africa’s most improved ports.

The US Journal of Commerce, which collects data on 140,000 port calls at 750 of the world’s container terminals, has acknowledged TICTS as one of the most improved ports in Africa.
“Everyone at the nation’s largest port is delighted that our efforts have been appreciated by such an authoritative body,” TICTS Chief Executive Officer Paul Wallace said in Dar es Salam over the weekend.
“It is truly an industry achievement,” Mr Wallace said of the recognition, adding: “This is just the start… the port is now poised for huge expansion over the coming few years.” He however attributed the great achievement to the commitment of the company’s valued employees and trust from TICTS parent company, Hutchison Port Holdings, which operate 48 ports in 25 countries.
The company has over the past few years invested over 210bn/- to generate 1.35trn/- in the Tanzanian economy through wharfage, royalties and rent.
According to Mr Wallace, the container handling firm is scheduled to open the Kigali office on July 1, 2016, to generate greater volumes through the port of Dar es Salaam. Already, the company has trained 16 young Tanzanian leaders who have just graduated in a year-long intensive management programme.
Kazi Services’ management experts Zuhura Muro and Petronella Mwasandube, with other formidable guest speakers, shared their wealth of experience in mentoring the young, gifted and potential future leaders of the East African port industry.
“The course blended management practices, self-learning, teamwork and financial analysis with on the job project management skills,” said Mr Wallace who sponsored the programme.
He expressed excitement over the profound talents in his organisation, saying “With such committed and motivated employees, the future of the port will be in capable hands beyond my years in Tanzania.”
Mr Wallace said the company was determined to build for the future in all areas of expanding business, citing an investment of over 40bn/- in new quay cranes, which arrive in November.
He particularly thanked the ports’ loyal customers, partners and Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA), with whom the company works closely to improve performance.