Fishermen in Bagamoyo where a $10 billion port is to be built. FILE PHOTO | NMG
The Bagamoyo port project, whose implementation has been marred
by funding hitches and government
flip-flop, could kick off this month, after Tanzania agreed with Chinese and Omani investors on a financing deal that is expected to be signed soon.
flip-flop, could kick off this month, after Tanzania agreed with Chinese and Omani investors on a financing deal that is expected to be signed soon.
If constructed, the $10 billion Bagamoyo port will be East Africa’s largest.
Tanzania’s
Minister for Communication and Transport Prof Makame Mbarawa told
parliament in Dodoma last week that negotiations with the investors are
at the final stages and a contract is expected to be inked this month.
The
construction of a $10 billion port in a former slavery harbour of
Bagamoyo, which was mooted in 2013, was suspended in 2016 — a year after
President John Magufuli came to power — with sources saying the
Magufuli government was keen on improving the capacity, performance and
efficiency of the Mtwara and Dar es Salaam ports instead.
But
Prof Mbarawa said the project was suspended to allow the upgrade of
berths one to seven and construction of berths 13 and 14.
The China ambassador to Tanzania Wang Ke last month said the project will start soon.
Located about 75km from Dar es Salaam and 10km from Bagamoyo
town, the port will breathe life into the Bagamoyo Special Economic Zone
that is expected to attract about 700 industries and become a strategic
investment zone in East Africa.
About 190 industries, including a fertiliser processing plant, will be put up by the government of Oman around the port.
The
Bagamoyo port and its affiliate industrial zone are meant to address
congestion at the old port and support Tanzania to become East Africa’s
leading shipping and logistics centre.
President
Magufuli’s administration has been on a spree investing in
infrastructure projects with a major boost in Dar es Salaam port.
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