By Guardian Reporter , The Guardian
THE Government of Tanzania, in partnership with the African Infrastructure Investment Institute (Africa50) and the African Development Bank (AfDB), have reached an agreement to construct
Zanzibar’s Manga-Pwani mega-project, revolutionizing port services on the isles.
As per details from Ministry of Finance on the mainland, this announcement was made by Dr Juma Malik Akil, Permanent Secretary of President's Office Finance and Planning, Zanzibar, representing Dr Natu El-Maamry Mwamba from the Isle’s Ministry of Finance.
The revelation came during a meeting between Tanzania and the institute, held on the sidelines of the 2024 Meetings of the Board of Governors (Finance Ministers from member countries) of the AfDB in Nairobi, Kenya.
Dr Akil said the government has agreed to continue negotiations that had already begun with Africa50 for the construction of the Mangapwani multipurpose port. He added that the institute, together with the AfDB, expects to arrive in Zanzibar in June 2024 to inspect the area allocated for the construction of the port.
"We expect that soon, Africa50, in collaboration with the African Development Bank (AfDB), will come to Zanzibar to inspect the area prepared for the construction of the Port of Mangapwani," noted Dr Akil.
Dr Akil added that Africa50, in collaboration with the AfDB, has promised to ensure the project is completed early to stimulate investment and boost Zanzibar's economic growth.
In addition, Dr Akil said that, apart from the Mangapwani port construction, Africa50 has been cooperating with the government in various development areas, especially in the energy sector, where it has been working closely with the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC).
For her part, Tshepidi Moremong, Africa50’s Chief Operating Officer, said her institute will continue to cooperate with Tanzania in all important areas of infrastructure investment to enable the country to achieve sustainable economic growth, generate employment, and manage natural resources for future generations.
She said the institute contributes to the growth of African countries by bringing together development projects and financing on one platform. It develops and invests in financeable projects, stimulates public sector capital, and encourages private sector financing.
Africa50 was established by African governments together with the AfDB to help close the infrastructure financing gap on the continent by facilitating the implementation of various development projects, increasing the availability of funds for the public and private sectors, and investing in infrastructure in Africa.
The Mangapwani multipurpose port, as per media reports, is a cutting-edge cargo facility aimed at bolstering Zanzibar's infrastructure to accommodate the rising trade and cargo needs in the region.
The initiative will see the development of berths for various cargo types including liquid bulk goods, containers, fishing vessels, natural gas offshore services, and an innovative city design integrated within the project.
The project encompasses the construction of the Mangapwani multi-terminal port, the development of a satellite city, and the revitalization of Malindi port as a prominent tourism destination. The proposed 180-acre satellite city is designed to house 50,000 residents, with 10 percent of the area earmarked for commercial activities.
At one-point last year, Zanzibar President Dr. Hussein Mwinyi, as reported by the media, noted, "We are facing a crisis with Malindi port, which lacks the capacity to handle our increasing cargo demands. Numerous large vessels find it challenging to dock here."
Dr Mwinyi underscored the government's unwavering commitment to the ambitious development plan, emphasizing that "Zanzibar is poised to emerge as a strategic commercial and tourism hub in East and Central Africa through this comprehensive project and the development of critical economic infrastructure.”
Adding: “As part of the transformative Mangapwani initiative, Zanzibar aims to establish a cutting-edge port facility featuring multiple containerized and general cargo terminals, along with provisions for fuel, fishing vessels, oil, and natural gas."
In addition to the fishing-oriented amenities, this large-scale project will incorporate industrial infrastructure and maritime training facilities to advance the nation's blue economy initiative. Zanzibar's government has strategically chosen ocean-based ventures as the catalyst for its economic expansion.
Within the realm of the blue economy, Zanzibar will pursue deep sea fishing, fish farming, fish processing, oil and gas exploration, and other key economic activities.
Upon completion, the port harbors substantial economic promise and is poised to enhance trade operations in the region. Zanzibar's objective is to modernize its port infrastructure to meet the escalating demands for maritime trade services effectively.
The forthcoming port development is anticipated to do more than just satisfy existing demands, it is expected to position the Isle as a pivotal player in the East African shipping sector. Emphasizing sustainability and innovation, the project's primary objectives are to generate job opportunities, enhance logistical efficiency, and draw fresh investments to the area.
Experts foresee that by capitalizing on the expertise and financial backing of AfDB and Africa50, this venture will establish new benchmarks for port facilities across the region.
Moreover, this endeavor underscores a mutual dedication to nurturing economic progress and advancement in Zanzibar, culminating in a vibrant environment for trade and business activities
No comments :
Post a Comment