DRC traders assured of better port services

JANETH RUZANGI, Kivu, Congo DRC

TPA Director General, Engineer Deusdedit Kakoko

TANZANIA Ports Authority (TPA) management has assured Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) business community of efficiency and good business environment.

TPA Director General, Engineer Deusdedit Kakoko gave the assurance after meeting traders from Bukavu and Goma towns in Kivu province. He told them that the government of Tanzania is constructing standard gauge railways that will simplify goods transportation along the central corridor.

Also in the plan, he said, is putting up modern infrastructure at Isaka dry port. “With such measures, DRC business members will not necessarily travel all the way to Dar es Salaam to follow up their cargo,” he noted, adding that Isaka dry port will have rail connection, revenue office centre and other services to carter for neighbouring business community.

He also assured them of safety at the port, saying that theft incidents were now a thing of the past at Dar es Salaam port. He said there are also ongoing efforts to make sure that the whole of central corridor route is safe and people pass their expensive cargo without encountering any security threats.

According to Mr Kakoko, various measures have been already taken to improve efficiency at the port of Dar es Salaam and the Central corridor at large. Some of the improvements include 24/7 extended port operations and assured safety and security. TPA has also introduced E-payment system where customers can now receive invoices and pay all port charges electronically.

This has reduced the amount of time it takes to effect payments. “Once a person has effected all payments, one can clear and take cargo from the port within 48 hours,” he told DRC business operators. Earlier, South Kivu Governor, Mr Marcellin Ruhoya assured TPA delegation of stronger business cooperation with Tanzania.

The DG is leading a TPA delegation in a marketing tour in the DRC. The TPA team also comprise of other port stakeholders. DRC is one of top users of Dar es Salaam port. In 2015/2016 DRC cargo passing through Dar port reached 1,464 tons compared to 976 tons serviced in 2011/2012.