{{Tanzania is facing stiff criticism over its railway system that is considered outdated.}}
Railways development stakeholders have engaged in a heated debated on the country’s continued use of the Metre Gauge (MG) rail over the approved Standard Gauge (SG) system for projects undertaken in the country.
The tense debate occurred here last week during a seminar which discussed presentations of the final draft for implementing phase II of the Dar es Salaam-Kigali/Keza-Gitega-Musongati Railway project.
Stakeholders were concerned by recommendations made by project consultants Canarail,a Canadian Company, and GIBB International who had earlier proposed that the current Metre Gauge rail infrastructure be renovated.
Consultants believe that the capitation expenses (Capex) and operation expenses (Opex) required for the project is higher than the traffic, in terms of passengers and goods, that the region can provide for project viability.
Instead, they proposed the continual use of the Metre Gauge for the next thirty years while building capacity to increase traffic of both passengers and goods.
But stakeholders, including government officials, said the consultants’ opinion was contradictory and was aimed at hindering regional strategies to interconnect the East African countries with a reliable means of transport that would stimulate economic growth.
The deputy Transport minister, Dr Charles Tizeba, told reporters at the seminar’s official opening that the Tanzanian government resolved to transform its railways to the Standard Gauge and that there was no room for a u-turn.
“The current rail system with meter gauge infrastructure is worse. The government has decided to adopt the standard gauge rail specifications and no reverse is expected,” he said.
Generally, the consultant showed in his presentation that Tanzania and member countries were not in a position to implement the $4 billion worth project, proposing that the Tanzania government secures renovation facilitation funds from the World Bank (WB).
The early generation of revenue through the established Joint Project Implementation Unit (JPIU) – according to consultants – was another commendable measure being fronted by professionals.
But the ministry of Transport permanent secretary, Eng Omari Chambo, blamed government officials responsible for supervising the consultant for laxity which led to a failure to implement the project draft that took into account the interests of the region.
“You people must really be committed to ensuring this project meets the government’s expectations through preparation of genuine and a marketable draft,” he said.
{NMG}
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