The East African Community (EAC) is undertaking a study on the EAC Railway Sector Enhancement Project.
The study, among other things, will propose rehabilitation of the existing railways, construction of new lines and possible sources of financing the projects as directed by the heads of state.
Moreover, the study will make proposals on the modalities of cooperation in the railway sector among the partner states, involvement of the private sector and development partners.
Presenting the 2014/2015 budget estimates, East African Cooperation minister Samuel Sitta, told the National Assembly that during the financial year 2013/2014, detailed feasibility studies for the Dar es Salaam–Isaka–Kigali and Keza–Gitega–Musongati lines were completed.
“This railway links Tanzania, Rwanda and Burundi. Evaluation of the bidding documents for the transaction adviser of the project has been completed but is awaiting a no objection from the African Development Bank (AfDB),’’ he said.
Mr Sitta said as part of the EAC Railway Master Plan, the governments of Tanzania and Burundi signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the construction of a railway line from Uvinza, Tanzania to Musongati Burundi (200 kilometres).
According to him, the next step would be to conduct a feasibility study and the design of this project.
Once completed, this railway line will facilitate the smooth movement of goods between Dar es Salaam Port and Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Tanzania’s Minister for East African Co-operation, Samuel Sitta speaks at press conference in Dar es Salaam yesterday on ongoing operation to repatriate peoples who live illegal in Country. With hem is permanent secretary to the ministry Grace Mapunjo.
NMG
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