Tanzania’s Vice President Dr. Philip Mpango: Authorized Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA) to Amplify Significant Progress at the Tanga Port to be Completed by April 2023

By Abdul Rahman Bangura–

NEW AFRICA DAILY NEWS (NADN) Freetown, Sierra Leone- The Vice-President published the commands during his visit to examine the improvement of the construction of two port quays as well as the deepening of their depths from 3 to 13 meters at the Tanga Port in a bid to allow large ships to anchor.

Dr. Mpango glimpsed that, the port modification project is rated at 429bn/- and is anticipated to improve efficiency of the port to serve 3 million tons annually from the current 750,000 tons.

“We want to see the construction work completed by April next year. This is one of the strategic ports and when completed will be able to attract more port users in the East African region,” told Dr. Mpango.

The VP also advised the Tanga Port Manager to promptly handle with objections from traders on the achievement of the port, including the time taken to discharge cargo passing through the port.

“Clients are complaining that it takes too long to discharge cargo at this port compared to others. The deficiencies in the port of Tanga have led some clients to opt for ports services elsewhere, and thus depriving the nation income that would have been used to serve the people,” he expanded.

Besides, he urged the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) to provide sufficient cooperation in the ongoing investigation of fire accident that gutted the Tanzania Revenue Authority’s (TRA) warehouse at the port.

“A thorough investigation is needed to identify all those involved in causing the loss that occurred following the fire accident,” he demanded.

Dr. Mpango also utilized the event to prompt TRA management to seal loopholes of income losses and increase scope of tax collection without victimizing traders.

On the other hand, the Vice-President urged the defense and security organs as well as several institutions in the Tanga Region to cooperate in handling numerous challenges put forward, adding that they should work tirelessly to stop illicit drug trafficking and use, smuggling, illegal fishing, illegal immigration and human trafficking.

Equally, he instructed the Tanga Regional Commissioner (RC) Omary Mgumba to confirm all those with topics put forward by the Controller and Auditor General (CAG) report within the region are addressed, and to assure that, they come up with clarifications as soon as possible or else risk facing the wrath of the law.

Dr. Mango called on the citizens of Tanga Region to guarantee that, they proceed promoting the existing peace by recognizing and furnishing information on all those, who enter the region with the aim of committing crimes.

“The geographic location of Tanga Region attracts many people from outside the country, this include those who enter the country illegally as well as those with ill motives. It is, therefore, the responsibility of every citizen to provide information to the relevant authorities if they identify a criminal,” he added.

For New Africa Daily News Abdul Rahman Bangura Reports,  Africa Correspondent