Lungu challenges TPA to sustain service efficiency at Dar Port

ZAMBIAN President Edgar Lungu toured the Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA) yesterday, reaffirming his country’s commitment to continue using the Dar es Salaam Port.

Mr Lungu who concluded his three day state visit in the country said that strong business ties between Tanzania and Zambia were only based on the brotherly relationship that the two countries have enjoyed for many years, but also because on the efficiency and continued improvements in service delivery at the port.

The Zambian leader spoke after his tour of various departments at the port, categorically stating that his country would contine hauling huge cargo volume through the port, should it continue improving services ahead of other ports in the Southern African region.

During a joint press briefing at State House on Monday, President John Magufuli appreciated Zambia as the leading country with high volume of cargo through the Dar es Salaam Port, hinting that in 2015 alone, 1.9 million tonnes were cleared at the port amid business boom between the two countries from 89.2bn/- in 2010 to 152.2bn/- in 2015.

“President Magufuli and I have close friendship and our countries have a long history, but let me come out clearly that Zambians are not using this port simply because of our friendship, but because of efficiency and fasttracking of cargo clearance from the port,’’ said the visiting presidnet.

He said Zambians were dodging other ports due to inefficiency, reminding the Dar es Salaam port management to maintain efficiency.

“I want to challenge you that there are other countries offering the same service like yours, you therefore need to continue offering innovative, affordable and efficient services,” reminded the Zambian president.

At the conclusion of his visit, Mr Lungu further reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to further strengthen the existing bond and mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries.

He expressed his appreciation to President Magufuli, his government and all Tanzanians for the warm reception and hospitality accorded to him and his delegation, inviting Dr Magufuli to visit Zambia at his convenient time.

Earlier, briefing the Zambian president on the services offered to Zambian businesspeople at the port, TPA Director General Engineer Deusdedit Kakoko, said Zambia was transporting copper, refined and crude oil as well as manure through the Dar es Salaam port.

“For many years, Zambia has been the leading country in transporting huge cargo volumes through this port...last year, Zambian cargo that was cleared accounted for 36 per cent of the port’s cargo,’’ he said.

According to Eng. Kakoko, services at the port were improving each day, insisting that currently container clearance days have been reduced from 32 in 2008 to 11 and that the ships that bring cargo at the port are now cleared within few days.

On security, Eng Kakoko said, apart from the security officials, there are over 400 CCTV Cameras that make it difficult to steal cargo from the port.

During the visit, Dr Magufuli and his Zambian counterpart discussed various issues of mutual interests, including the Tanzania- Zambia Railway Authority, Tanzania- Zambia Oil Pipeline (TAZAMA) and the Nakonde-Tunduma One Stop Border Post.

The two leaders also witnessed the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the establishment of diplomatic consultations as well as exchanging views on regional and international issues.

Dr Magufuli bid farewell to the Zambian leader who flew back to Lusaka yesterday at around 12:17pm at Julius Nyerere International Airport (JNIA).

By Daily News