DODOMA: DODOMA Regional Commissioner Rosemary Senyamule has said the operationalisation of the Ihumwa Dry Port has opened new economic opportunities for residents of Dodoma City following increased transport and logistics activities in the area.
Speaking during a working tour to inspect the facility in Ihumwa, the Regional Commissioner expressed satisfaction with steps taken by the Tanzania Railways Corporation (TRC) and the Ministry of Transport in implementing directives issued by President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
She noted that the directives required the immediate commencement of cargo transportation services alongside preparations for the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) passenger train operations.
According to Ms Senyamule, transportation of domestic cargo from Pugu in Dar es Salaam to the Ihumwa Dry Port has already generated employment opportunities, with between 300 and 500 people working at the facility daily.
“For us as a region, this is a major opportunity to stimulate citizens’ economic activities. Trucks are arriving from various areas to offload and load cargo, creating business for transporters, loaders and small-scale traders,” she said.
She added that the region is awaiting completion of the final railway segment connecting to the seaport to enable direct cargo loading and further enhance operational efficiency.
“We have been assured by our colleagues that the remaining railway section linking to the sea is at the final stages of completion. Once operational, it will significantly strengthen cargo movement and business growth,” she said.
ALSO READ: Zambia, TZ reaffirm to facilitate cargo transportation
Speaking on behalf of the Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA) Director General, Senior Planning Officer Innocent Kapinga said the dry port was established to reduce transportation costs, improve efficiency in the logistics chain, ease cargo clearance and decongest the Dar es Salaam Port.
He said the facility is expected to position Dodoma as a strategic commercial hub for inland cargo handling and distribution.
In a related development, the visit also assessed land set aside by TRC for the construction of international standard sports training grounds in preparation for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which Tanzania will co-host with Kenya and Uganda.
Ms Senyamule said Dodoma Region is determined to benefit from the continental tournament by positioning itself as a training and accommodation base for participating teams.
“We are preparing to ensure AFCON teams establish training camps in Dodoma. TRC has a modern camp facility that was previously used during SGR construction and plans are underway to convert it into a sports, tourism and multi-purpose complex,” she said