The Dar-es-Salaam port is working on a major upgrade that could get rid of congestion, attract new business and position itself as “the harbour of choice” in the region.This could see the Mombasa Port, also battling with congestion made worse by the post-election violence, face increased competition for business in the region.
A senior Tanzania Port Authority (TPA) manager, Mr Jason Rugaihuruza, says they have embarked on new strategies that would lead to increased container terminal capacity and the use of inland depots, optimimum use of the terminal capacity within the port and active participation of various stakeholders in the programmes to reduce dwell-time of cargo at the port.Key long-term measures by the TPA include construction of multi-storey car park to leave space for container handling. This plan, according to Mr Rugaihuruza, is expected to be ready by the end of 2010.
The port managers are also planning the construction of a new container terminal at Bagamoyo and two berths.
