Tanzania Infrastructures development & Discussion .

[tanzan]

A Chinese firm has won the tender to invest in the Mchuchuma and Liganga mining projects in southern Tanzania and is expected to pump in 3bn/-.

The investor, Sichuan Hongda Corporation won the competitive tender in a bidding exercise that attracted 48 international companies.

Take-off of the investment now awaits green-light from the government through the National Development Corporation (NDC).

Teams of experts from the Chinese company and NDC are now engaged in a four-day negotiations on modalities of implementing the project.

NDC Board Chairman, Chrisant Mzindakaya said in Dar es Salaam yesterday that implementation of the projects would start after completion of the ongoing negotiations between NDC and the investor.

“These projects mark a new chapter and drastic transformation in the extraction of precious minerals in the country,” said the former outspoken ruling party legislator.

Mzindakaya said the Chinese firm emerged winner of the two projects out of 48 international Companies which had expressed interest to invest in the two projects.

“If Sichuan Hongda succeeds in the course of negotiations, they will become part of the success story in reshaping the country’s economy,” said Mzindakaya.

Mzindakaya called on the prospective Chinese investor to be careful while implementing the two projects, which he said had a big potential to bolster the country’s economic development.

He said the Liganga project would be the second largest iron mining and smelting projects in Africa, South of Sahara after South Africa, while the Mchuchuma coal project would provide diversity for power generation.

“We now know that the country is facing power rationing, but with Mchuchuma project the problem will be solved,” Mzindakaya said, adding: “Mchuchuma will produce 600 megawatts of electricity which will also be used to supplement the current hydro sources.”

According to Mzindakaya, the two projects would provide the base for industrial activities and sources of coal for industrial use in Tanzania, export and infrastructure.

“The investors are committed to stimulating the development of transport infrastructure and this will also necessitate the building of new and strengthening the current power transmission lines,” he said.

“My expectation is that your negotiations today will lead to a win-win situation not only for our two institutions but for the prosperity of our two friendly nations,” he emphasized.

Meanwhile, the NDC Managing Director, Gideon Nasari said the Chinese firm had won the tender due to its technological advantage and financial capacity.

He also explained that the investor would take up to six months to evaluate the Mchuchuma Project centre and another 12 months for the Liganga Project centre.

He, however, emphasized that the projects should be completed before the end of the tenure of the fourth phase government which promised in last year’s election campaigns that it would end the country’s power blues.

The Chairperson of Sichuan Hongda Corporation Limited, Lin Conglong said it was a great pleasure to win the trust of Tanzanians and pledged to utilize the opportunity for the benefit of Tanzania.

He said his company’s decision to invest in Tanzania was motivated by, among other things, traditional relations between Tanzania and China through the late Mwalimu Julius Nyerere and Mao Tse Tung.

He also lauded Tanzania’s attractive investment environment politically, socially and economically.

The Director of Heavy Industry in the Ministry of Industries, Trade and Marketing, Alley Mwakibolwa said NDC had carried out environmental impact assessment in the project area as demanded by law following which the National Environmental Management Council (NEMC) had also guaranteed the permission for the projects to commence.

According to him, Mchuchuma Project area covers about 141 square kilometres and Liganga Steel Complex covers 179 square kilometres.


SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN

[kiligoland]

US-Based Symbion Power firm is due to start implementing two comprehensive, multi-billion power projects designed to substantially improve electricity distribution systems, infrastructures and standards of power stations across Tanzania.

The firm specialising in electricity infrastructure engineering was awarded the two-year contract in September last year, through the Millennium Challenge Account-Tanzania, and preparatory works for implementation of the two projects are now at advanced stages.

The US company has been contracted to assist Tanesco in two major areas — distribution of power lines and related infrastructures, and designing, building and renovation of power stations in both Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar.

Chris Camponovo, Symbion Country’s Director told journalists from The Guardian and ITV yesterday: “I believe the two electrification projects could have immense contribution to the current Tanzanian government’s efforts aimed to resolve power distribution systems and infrastructure problems.”

Disruption of power systems, leakages and other distribution related problems are some of critical issues which had been affecting operations of state-run Tanzania Electricity Supply Company Ltd (Tanesco). At one time, Tanesco top officials attributed inefficient and inconsistent power supply in Tanzania to the above problems.

But, Symbion expressed optimism that the two power projects would redress the problems to a great extent. “We are going to employ new and US-standard technologies and formulas to solve electricity distribution problems in this country,” he added.

As part of project implementation, Symbion is establishing a special school in Morogoro for training Tanzanian electrical linemen and related technicians, Componovo said. According to the official, renovation of the college structures and other necessary facilities are underway, and that the actual training could “probably start any time in the first two weeks of April, this year.”

He explained that three Tanzanian linemen have been selected as Symbion lead trainers, who are expected to begin an intensive “train the trainer programme” at the Northwest Lineman College in Meridian, Idaho, US next month.

Speaking at the introductory session, the three Tanzanian linemen said the knowledge from US programme would help to mitigate power distribution and infrastructure problems facing the country.

Issack Babu, one of the experienced local linemen, said for years Tanzania had been using UK standards in the power distribution systems, underlining the importance of utilizing technologies from other advanced countries — in the context of addressing power distributions in the country.

“We have numerous problems in our electricity distribution systems…but I am confident that with the combination of the existing UK and new US standards (under Symbion power projects), these problems would be history,” said Babu.

Charles Mhalula, another candidate said power leakages and other distribution problems were largely caused by failure by experts to follow distribution procedures. He hoped that US power projects would provide the necessary expertise to Tanesco in containing the shortfall.

“I see a training school for linemen expected to be installed under Symbion power project, is an important milestone and durable solution to the country’s long-standing power distribution problems,” said Damas Mpangili, one of the candidates for US training-of- trainer programme.

Symbion have invited Millienium Challenge executives to meet at Northwest Lineman College and observe the training programme in action. Ambassador Amina Ali, the African Union representative to the United States, as well as Ambassador Mwanaidi Majaar, Tanzanian Ambassador to the United States, will be in attendance, according to a statement issued by Symbion power yesterday.


SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN

[kiligoland]

Recent discoveries of natural gas off the coast of Tanzania have taken the East African nation’s total reserves to 7.5 trillion cubic feet, sufficient to allow exports to the region, the East African Community said.

Tanzania and the regional grouping are discussing the possibility of building a pipeline from the commercial hub of Dar es Salaam north through Tanga to Mombasa, Kenya, according to a statement e-mailed to Bloomberg from the body.

Earlier reports last year said the Toronto-listed Orca Exploration (ORCb.V) plans to raise daily natural gas production at the Songo Songo field in Tanzania by 60 percent by the end of 2012 amid growing domestic power demand.

The company's 2009 annual report, seen by Reuters said infrastructure constraints limited production capacity to 90 million cubic feet a day.

The reports said a target for 2010 was to "assist ... in planning a permanent expansion of the infrastructure system to 144 million cubic feet ... with the intention that the extra capacity will become operational by the end of 2012."

The company said in November it saw capacity reaching 140 million cubic feet daily within two years.

Demand for power is surging in east Africa's second largest economy and Tanzania is expected to save billions of dollars over the next 20 years using natural gas instead of oil imports.

Orca said it planned this year to increase its gas processing and transportation capacity on a temporary basis to 105 million cubic feet per day.

"To increase the overall capacity of the infrastructure system to operate at 200 mmcfpd, a twin onshore pipeline will need to be constructed. The timing of this will be dependent on the increase in gas demand, but it is forecast to be required by 2015/16," the reports said.

Orca operates the Tanzanian project via its wholly-owned subsidiary PanAfrican Energy and in cooperation with power company Songas, a consortium including state-run Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation and Bermuda-based Globeleq.

It supplies the gas to 35 industrial customers and for power generation for the national grid by Songas and state-run Tanzania Electric Supply Company.

"Based on the current reserves and anticipated field deliverability profiles, Orca intends to develop gas markets that will utilise approximately 100 to 120 million cubic feet of additional gas on an average annual basis," said the reports.

New Trend Africa reported recently that natural gas production at Songo Songo in Lindi will be doubled to meet the growing demand of gas for electricity generation and for vehicles.

Production of gas from 5 out of 11 wells at Songo Songo is currently at the rate of 70 mm standard cfpd but processing facilities are inadequate. Plans are underway to expand the processing capacity to 140 mm cfpd so that more gas could be shipped to Dar es Salaam for additional power generation, compressed natural gas (CNG) for vehicles, industries and domestic use.

The plans are contained in a report by Tanzania to the 4th East African Petroleum Conference where Tanzanian officials to the three-day conference were led by the minister foe Energy and Minerals, William Ngeleja.

The offshore Songo Songo natural gas fields were discovered in 1974 and gas production started in July 2004. According to Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation, in order to double gas production at Songo Songo, more wells have to be drilled to the north and west of the island to increase reserves for the growing multiple use of natural gas.

Gas production at the Mnazi Bay in Mtwara region is currently estimated at 0.9 mm cfpd and is used for generating 4.5 MW of electricity for Mtwara and Lindi.

Engineer Joyce Kisamo told the conference organised by the East African Community secretariat that natural gas was ideal as a source of energy in urban areas because it is environment friendly. According to her, Tanzania currently has four gas sites at Songo Songo (1974), Mnazi Bay (1982), Mkuranga (2007) and Nyuni (2008).

More gas fields are likely to be discovered given the production sharing agreements the Government has signed with more than 20 oil and gas exploration companies.

Eng. Kisamo said the Government's long term plans were to use natural gas for electricity generation and for cooking.




SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN

[tanzan]

By Mary John

Posted Monday, January 31 2011

Indian companies are increasing their presence in East Africa where they have been sourcing raw materials for the country’s thriving industry and manufacturing sector.

Close to 10 companies — dealing in steel, seed, packaging, electrical appliances and tourism among others — are set to build factories or set up operations in Tanzania at a cost of over $250 million.

According to Trade and Industry Minister Cyril Chami, the construction of the factories will start in the next six months.

The biggest single investment will see Kamal Steel Industries build a $220 million-worth steel and iron sheet factory that is expected to generate almost 5,000 jobs. The current factory in Dar es Salaam employs about 400 people.

The other investment, which will cost about $20 million, will involve the construction of an assembly line for Bajaj vehicles (auto richshaws) and motorcycles by Bajaj Auto. The assembly line will employ 500 people.

Adelhelm Meru, managing director of the Economic Processing Zone Authority, said that other projects by Indian investors are a $3 million seed plant to be built by Science and Corp Ltd in line with the government’s implementation of Kilimo Kwanza. This will create another 500 jobs.

Lotters Packaging Ltd will invest $1.2 million in a manufacturing plant to take advatange of the country’s acute shortage of modern packaging.

Other investments will be by UK Electrical (India Ltd) which will produce water pumps. Other investors have expressed interest in a factory for producing mechanical spare parts and small machines which will be helpful to the informal sector.

According to Dr Meru, beyond industry, Indian business magnate Mukesh Ambani plans to invest in luxury hotel chains to tap into the growing tourism industry.

Tanzania’s economy depends on tourism, mining and agriculture. But the growing telecommunications, energy, manufacturing, financial services and transport sectors are attracting investors who see great potential for returns.

According to the Investment Climate 2010 report prepared by the Bank of Tanzania, the country generally has a favourable attitude toward foreign direct investment and has made significant efforts to encourage foreign investment.

Emmanuel ole Naiko, the executive director of Tanzania Investment Centre, said that despite the fact that the world is still recovering from the financial crisis, FDI is expected to rebound and to surge to $800 million in 2011 from a low of $645m in 2009.

[kiligoland]

THE government of Tanzania in collaboration with the Export Processing Zones Authority (EPZA) is providing land for industrial use which is available for lease at a newly established project of Benjamin Mkapa Special Economic Zone (BWM-SEZ).
The park is located at Mabibo suburb in Ubungo along Nelson Mandela Expressway in the city of Dar es Salaam, its location is 12 kilometers away from Dar es Salaam port and 14 kilometers from Mwalimu Nyerere International Airport. The project which was initially established by the President’s Office, Economic planning, Privatization and Empowerment during the third phase government has currently been transferred to the Ministry of Trade, Industries and Marketing. This is a world class industrial park for export processing zones developed solely by the government of Tanzania under the strategy known as “The Tanzania Mini-Tiger Plan 2020” which is aimed at contributing to the acceleration of the growth of Tanzania’s Economy to between 8-10 percent GDP growth.

An aerial view of part of the BWM-SEZ at Mabibo suburb in Dar es Salaam. The most fascinating architectural design of the building is that shopping mall which has been designed with a curved structure on its façade.


The Mini-Tiger Plan 2020 is the strategy designed to build Special Economic Zones
needed to fast track the implementation of National Strategy for Growth and Reduction of Poverty popularly known as “MKUKUTA” with the aim to create between 2-3 million new jobs by year 2020. The government has already spent about Tshs. 36.5 billion towards the cost of construction of BWM-SEZ which is the largestin the country covering an area of about 259,400.49sqm. This is 52 hectares which is
equivalent to 125 acres of land. Report by EPZA shows that, out of Tshs. 35.6 billion, 31.7 billion being the cost of construction of civil works, buildings, drainage works,landscaping, electrical and telephone installation. Tsh. 4.8 billion has been spent under a separate contract for the design and construction of the 33KVA power sub-station. However, the total cost of the project is expected to reach about Tsh. 40 billion at completion.

Efforts are being undertaken by EPZA to hire large portion of this land to the prospective investors to run their businesses in light manufacturing and processing industries and labour intensive which would later earn the government with money. BWM-SEZ offers serviced land for lease and the plot sizes ranges from 300 sq meters to 11,000 sq meters. Each plot has connectivity points for water, electricity, gas, fire fighting system and sewerage system. The rental fee is 60 cents per sq meter per annum payable 10 years in advance, and the lease term is 33 years. According to the Director General of the EPZA, Dr. Adelhelm Meru, investors will also be required to pay a monthly service fee to cover for common services. In addition to the lease of serviced land, the BWM-SEZ welcomes investors who want to rent factory space. Construction of the factory sheds is at its final stage. The park also offers office space for lease to companies providing services to the park. Investors who succeed to be leased with plots within BWM-SEZ are expected to start construction of their industrial structures by end of 2009. It is expected that, in three years time (i.e by 2012) industries within BWM-SEZ will be full in operational.

This is a dispensary within BWM-SEZ, the building will be used for first aid medical treatment to workers of the factories within and not for out patient
Currently the construction work of buildings at the BWM-SEZ project site is completed and the main contractor is busy handing over some parts of the buildings to their client. The finished buildings are the administrative block which houses the main office of the Export Processing Zones Authority (EPZA). Other buildings are the dispensary to be used as a first aid clinic for workers inside the zone, a cafeteria, an impressive shopping arcade designed with an arch structure roof which would be used to sell manufacturing products within the zone, a fire station building and a customs house. The fire station would be installed with the special machines whose sense would detect fire within 25 radius kilometers, thus safety would be ensured at the zone from any possible dangerous fire occurrence within the zone. Apart from the buildings, the zone is equipped with the necessary infrastructure facilities These includes, a 33KVA power sub-station, a reliable gas distribution system connected to Songas pipelines, and a reliable sewerage disposals.

This is a fire building which is strategically designed with an open space on which to park fire vehicle.

There is underground network of electricity as well as telephone cables and water hydrant point in every plot. The electricity power station has been constructed in order to receive more power to feed the transformers which are to be installed later within the zone. The sewerage disposals would be pumped through a channel of storm water in a large ditch constructed close to the operating light industries within the zone, this would be later pumped outside to circulation point treatment or oxidation point Others are underground water reserve tank with a capacity of 4.5 million litters constructed with an underground depth of 9 meters deep designed to meet the water demand for 24 hours, a reliable fire fighting systems. Currently there are already finished supporting buildings for one stop service centre. This is after an intensive construction work of a land survey which was done by a team of architectural experts from the Dar es Salaam based Ardhi University which had also been supervising the work at the site for the last five years.

A structure made like mount Kilimanjaro monument at BWM-SEZ is an exciting landmark feature within the economic zone area. The feature has become an attraction to passersby who can view it clearly from outside the gate.

The initial construction phase started in August 2002 and ended up in 2005. The second phase continued and the main contractor, a locally registered class one construction company, Tanzania Building Works Ltd kept the construction at much faster pace in order to finish on the agreed date. BWM-SEZ is a landmark project whose construction lies on plot “No. 1081 Block B”. Among the most distinguishing feature which can be found within the project site is a structure made like mount Kilimanjaro monument which is a 9 meter high from the ground, stationed strategically few meters away from the main gate. The structure is architecturally designed on its top which is put the white stones at the peak to imitate the snow cap and the green robust ground cover to imitate the Kilimanjaro tundra, and high rise ground cover to imitate the intermediate trees.


The main gate is designed with a special covering material on top of the security building. This is a unique and a modern style building.


Right from the beginning the master plan of the project favoured the site as the most convenient one for the allocation of the SEZ project so as to attract local and international investors to enjoy the benefits and privileges of the SEZ, and Dar es Salaam being the main port of Tanzania, has good capacity to handle production from the SEZ. Its location in the suburb presents no problem to would be tenants because of its proximity to the local people and its conveniences it offers. “The construction is a good example of such a development an export economic processing zone needed for commercial purpose in semi-urban areas” Detailing from the architectural point of view, buildings at the BWM-SEZ project are decorated with high quality window glass fixed on steel aluminum products which have been supplied by Shamo Industries Ltd, a locally registered class one specialist contractor by CRB.

All buildings at the BWM-SEZ are decorated with alluco board, these are aluminium products used for decoration in buildings. It demonstrates high technology application by use of modern construction materials.



Aluminum and glazing are becoming an integral part in construction industry worldwide. The façade of each building at the site is decorated by using sheet glass which exhibits a more contemporary architectural design that provides an aesthetic beauty. The structured glazing looks darkish from outside and has been fixed on aluminum frames also supplied by Shamo Industries Ltd. Part of the external wall has been done by using a wall covering material called alluco board, this is a metal product joined with black fillers. The firm has laid down a success story in its endeavors of their manufacturing to international quality standards. The firm buys these materials from Italy and UK in order to meet the current demand of good product quality for aluminum and glass products of various colors and shapes. Other construction companies which took part in the project is Derm Electrical Company, a class one registered by CRB, specialized in Electricity and Air-conditioning systems. The firm did electrification work in every building within the zone.

The entire roads network within BWM-SEZ which have also been designed for pedestrians
Pedestrian walkways and spaces at the SEZ are designed to encourage walking through and around each Development Plot with basic principles that Provide separation between pedestrian and vehicle movements, and well defined separation of pedestrian paths from parking areas to building entrances. They also provide safe and convenient pedestrian walkways between buildings, paved areas and a free easy access for wheeled traffic, disabled and services to be according to relevant regulation in the use of ramps and proper dimensioning of access roads.EPZA is mandated to plan, develop and maintain an economic processing zones in some few selected areas in the country. The mission of the authority is to promote an adequate, safe and well maintained zone so as to effectively contribute to the social-economic development. In view of this, the authority is struggling to get areas of more economic zones and some areas have been earmarked for development such as Bagamoyo, Tanga, Arusha and Mtwara. The BWM-SEZ at Mabibo is the pilot project

[mwinyi]

Looks like Chinese construction companies will kill off local companies

they keep winning contract after contract...amazing!

[tanzan]

From PETER TEMBA in Moshi, 24th February 2011

THE ongoing construction of Arusha - Namanga road project to bitumen level, which is scheduled for completion in July this year, is a major boost to economies in Arusha region, a report by the Tanzania National Roads Agency (TANROADS) says.

The 105 Arusha - Namanga section, officially launched jointly by President Jakaya Kikwete and President Mwai Kibaki of Kenya on April 28, 2009 at Lengijave village, 13.6 kilometres from Arusha city, is projected to cost more than 141.55 million US dollars (over 220 bn/-), excluding local taxes.

The launch was witnessed by the Presidents of the African Development Bank (AfDB) and Japan Bank for International Cooperation, both of which are co-financing the road project, says the report, adding that the road reposition was a collaborative effort between the East African Community partner states and donors targeting projects in the region's transport sector.

It seeks to ease traffic from Zambia, through Tanzania and Kenya to Ethiopia, Uganda, Sudan and beyond. The road is strategic to the region and forms part of the priority Corridor No. 5 of the East African Community regional roads network from Tunduma in southern Tanzania to Moyale in northern Kenya and onwards to Addis Ababa in Ethiopia.

The project's objective was to improve the essential road transport infrastructure between Nairobi and Arusha across Namanga border town. Its aim was to enhance tourism industry in both countries, promote cross border trade, regional social-economic integration and help poverty alleviation initiatives.

The report further reveals that AfDB disbursed 73.3 million US dollars for the 136 kilometres stretch between Athi River and Namanga while Tanzania received 59.1 million dollars (8.8 bn/-) from Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for the 104 kms long Arusha - Namanga section.

The road will also boost import and export traffic from Mombasa port which was the more convenient port for northern Tanzania, on account of proximity.

Work on the road consists of the re-construction of the existing 6 metres wide deteriorated bitumen surfaced road to a 7metre-wide carriageway and 2 metre-wide shoulders on each side of the road.

The report says the new surfacing of the carriageway consists of 55 millimetres thick asphalt concrete covered with a single seal surface. The shoulders are to be sealed with bituminous double surface dressing.

Moreover, work will also involve the construction of two reinforced concrete bridges of 15 metres single span each and rehabilitation of one 19 metres single span bridge.

[tanzan]

Thursday, 24 February 2011

By Mkinga Mkinga
The Citizen Reporter

Dar es Salaam. The National Social Security Fund (NSSF) it is ready to provide 60 per cent of the funds needed to build an ultramodern bridge across the Magogoni creek in Dar es Salaam.NSSF is now waiting for the government to secure partners who would foot the remainder of the cost of the proposed Kigamboni bridge, the fund’s Chief Public Relations and Customer Services Officer, Ms Eunice Chiume, told The Citizen yesterday.

The bridge will be 560 metres long and 14 metres wide, and will have a two-lane carriageway with provisions for cyclists and pedestrians.Ms Chiume said project was estimated to cost $130 million.

“An evaluation has established that the Kigamboni bridge will be more of a service project than a commercially viable structure, and that is why we settled for the partnership arrangement,” she said. The project is expected to ease transportation for thousands of Dar es Salaam residents.

Kigamboni and the city centre are linked by ferries operating across the 400-metre wide Magogoni Creek. Alternatively, Kigamboni can be reached through Mbagala, a 30-kilometre trip from the city centre. According to information made available to The Citizen, talks are going on between the government and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica) on financing part of the project.

Ms Chiume said the Kigamboni bridge project would be useful to NSSF, which is planning a satellite city in Kigamboni area. The government also plans to modernise Kigamboni with the construction of high-rise buildings, leisure beach parks and hotels.

This paper has learnt that delays in initiating the bridge project were to blame for the withdrawal of the Dutch agency Oret. According to the Netherlands embassy website, Oret is a Dutch directorate of international cooperation under the Foreign Affairs ministry.

[tanzan]

Arusha. A massive transport infrastructure upgrading in the East African region is expected to benefit Dar es Salaam port.
To be financed by TradeMark East Africa, the port development component would aim at the automation of operations at the country's main sea gateway and Mombasa port in Kenya.

The project, which will cost $300 million (about Sh420 billion), will also involve creating seven one-stop border posts in the region. This is expected to cut down the cost of doing business in the region.

"Our focus is on improving key transport corridors and border points in the region to increase efficiency in transactions," said the TradeMark East Africa CEO, Mr Frank Matsaert.

He said the multi-donor organisation support for EA integration would focus on reducing transport and related costs along the key transport corridors.
The cost of business transactions can be reduced by about 40 per cent if the project becomes fully operational, he explained.

He revealed this after brief consultations with senior officials of the East African Community (EAC), also attended by development partners supporting TradeMark EA.

Mr Matsaert affirmed that economic integration in East Africa would not be realised without eliminating trade barriers and reducing transport costs.
Equally essential for building a single economic bloc are the integration of small markets which are essential to sustain growth rates, increased incomes and attracting investors, he said.

He said a large part of the budget would be used in infrastructure improvement. This would help the region realise its quest for a bigger market flourishing with trade, said Mr Matsaert.

According to him, the improved efficiency at ports and transport corridors could reduce the cost of intra-regional transactions by 30 per cent. This is apart from raising exports to non-EAC markets by ten per cent, he said.

The ambitious project, which was launched in Nairobi on February 1, involves automation of ports, weighbridges and customs services.

Also to be involved are other national agencies in the EAC partner states that manage the region's key transport corridors and border points.
"The port development component will cover Dar es Salaam and Mombasa ports," he told The Citizen on the sidelines of the consultations at the EAC secretariat offices.

He could not, however, reveal the extend of upgrading of the two principal ports in East Africa. Consultants say they may have approached their operational limits for a variety of reasons.

The two ports, which handle the bulk of foreign trade to the region, are reported to be facing operational difficulties due to inadequate depths and approach channels.

Dar es Salaam port has been battling with the problem of congestion of containers in recent years. Consequently, it will soon embark on constructing an inland container depot (ICD) at Kisarawe.

In October last year, the port launched a Single Mooring Project (SMP) worth $60 million. When completed, it will enable the port to handle 6,000,000 tonnes of cargo a year.

[tanzan]

The implementation of power project which envisages producing 1600MW by 2014 has taken off with the government expecting to officially sign the contract with an investor in the next two months.

National Development Corporation (NDC) Board Chairman, Dr Chrisant Mzindakaya told a press conference on Saturday that all is now set for Sichuan Hongda Group Limited of China, in collaboration with the Chinese Africa Development Fund to implement the projects.

“The company was secured from a list of 48 investors from 13 countries who applied for the tender, where the company was carefully and transparently selected.

The government formed a special team and a consultant to oversee the whole process,” he said.

Initially, NDC in collaboration with strategic partners will establish a coal mine in Mchuchuma, Iringa Region which will produce about 3 million tons per annum ready for a mine mouth thermal power station of 600MW, as well as another 1000MW to be sourced from the Ngaka Coalfields Project based in Mbinga District, Ruvuma Region.

“NDC and Pacific Corporation of Australia have formed a JV Company - TANCOAL Energy Limited which is almost done with all the necessary researches and feasibility studies ready for the establishment of the coal mine which will sustainably produce 1000MW,” he said.

Both projects will cost about 3 billion US Dollars (about 4.5 trl/-) and again Dr Mzindakaya gave an assurance that the study has shown that Sichuan Hongda Group Limited was capable of efficiently running the projects since it was strong financially, technologically, professionally and with tough management.

According to the tentative time table released by NDC, the exploration works at the proposed sites will start in July, this year, while the negotiations with the Tanzania National Electric Supply Company (TANESCO), Energy and Water Utilities Regulatory Authority (EWURA) and other major power consumers will equally start in July.

“We therefore expect to start getting reliable and sustainable power production by July, 2014,” he insisted.

However, due to heavy investment in the two projects, people will not expect any relief in power tariffs until studies are carried out first.

Challenges accompanying the investment awaits the government as it is now tasked to make sure power transmission infrastructures improves with new projections showing a new transmission line of 400 Kv is now required.

“This being a huge investment of its kind in the history of the country, it poses a challenge, requiring another huge investment in the infrastructures surrounding the project sites, including construction of roads that will be used to transport heavy plants and machineries of the projects.

[kiligoland]

GOOD NEWS, hope all projects start and complete as planned, this power thing is killing Tanzania.

[tanzan]

From ALVAR MWAKYUSA in Dodoma, 6th April 2011

THE government has signed contracts for construction of the 260-kms Iringa-Dodoma road and the groundwork is underway.

Deputy Minister for Works, Dr Harrison Mwakyembe, told the National Assembly here on Wednesday that the contract was signed on January 13, this year.

The construction of the road that will link the two regions will be funded by loans from the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the Japan International Co-operation Agency (JICA).

Dr Mwakyembe was answering Mr David Malole (Dodoma Urban-CCM), who had wanted to know progress of the project.

To make the construction work smooth, the work has been divided into three segments, the deputy minister said.

The segments are Iringa-Migori (95.2kms), Migori-Fufu (93.8kms) and and Fufu-Dodoma (71kms).

He said construction of the Dodoma-Babati road will be done in phases and that the construction work for the Dodoma-Mayamaya (43.6km) and Babati-Bonga (19.2 km) has already started.

According to Dr Mwakyembe, the government is still looking for funds to construct the Mayamaya-Bonga road.

[kiligoland]

Tanzan expansion of new bangamoyo road is also underway right?

[tanzan]

Originally Posted by kiligoland

Tanzan expansion of new bangamoyo road is also underway right?

yes...12 Kms from mwenge to tegeta with provision for rapid transit system between the dual carriage way. Second phase will be from Mwenge to Morocco junction (4km) later.

[kiligoland]

Airline operators are being urged to take advantage of Songwe International Airport, currently under construction in Mbeya, by establishing commercial routes to and from the country’s southern city.

Speaking on behalf of Mbeya Regional Commissioner John Mwakipesile at the launch of a flight service linking the city and Dar es Salaam, Assistant Regional Administrative Secretary Moses Chitama said the new airport will bring much-needed air travel and air freight services to the region, possibly opening the local market up to potential investors from within and outside the country.

The service will be run by Mwanza-based charter specialist, Auric Air, in partnership with Gazelle Safaris, and the short-haul flights will have a stopover at Iringa en route to and from Dar es Salaam.

Songwe International is set to catapult Mbeya into the global scene, encouraging travel into the region, and creating the opportunity for local farmers and business owners to directly export what they produce to clients abroad.

It is likely to fuel economic growth in the region, according to RC Mwakipesile, opening the gates for tourists and investors to flood into the city.

The RC called on Mbeya residents to support entrepreneurs who invest in the region, particularly those in the aviation sector, arguing that this will boost development in the region.

Since Mbeya has many tourist attractions, aviation firms could use these to market themselves to potential clients.

“It is high time we utilised the opportunity presented to us by Auric Air Services and Gazelle Safaris. Let us travel using their services to different destinations,” the RC said, adding that this will encourage other airline operators to invest in the region.

For their part, Auric Air Chief Captain, Godfrey Mwela and the Managing Director of Gazelle Safaris Umang Gossain, assured the RC that they will deliver services of the highest quality to their customers, and that they will advertise the region as a tourist destination.

They expressed hope that Songwe International Airport will see an influx of tourists and investors that will turn the flailing local economy into a thriving one.

[TZBoy]

This is very good for the southern regions. Now we just need ATCL to get back up and running again.

[TZBoy]

MPANDA Town Council and the Kigoma-based Dr Livingstone Academy will jointly establish an envisaged Katavi University of Agriculture (KUA) in the new Katavi Region, it was revealed on Friday.

The Council and the Academy signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) early this month and financiers for the project have already pledged to offer about 300bn/- to support construction of the university.

Release of the funds is currently awaiting the government guarantee, according to Prime Minister Mr Mizengo Pinda.

This information was given during a meeting between the premier and stakeholders at the university construction site in Katavi.

Acting Mpanda Town Council Director Charles China said that his office had secured 200 hectares in Mpanda for the project. Mr Pinda, who is also the MP for Katavi, said that he was happy with the the project's implementation effort.

The premier added that there was a need to convene another meeting that would bring on board other ministries, so that the central government is made aware of the project and is involved fully.

The main stakeholders in the project include Mr Abdul Mwilima and Mr Baruani Karenga who belong to Agricomats Company of Kigoma and Dr Hamimu Hongo of Felisa Company which is based in Kigoma.

The initial idea of investing in Katavi University emanated from a push by Mpanda District Commissioner Rajab Rutengwe. Regional and district officials met to discuss investment initiatives in the new region of Katavi.

Mr Hongo said that the university would confer first and masters degrees in the fields of agriculture, livestock keeping and natural science. When the university takes off, it will also train 300 small-scale farmers every year on the best farming practices, he said.

He added that the farmers would be given seedlings and beehives upon graduation instead of certificates only.

The university will also concentrate on the techniques of producing better seeds. It will establish a centre for assembling tractors.

Source: http://dailynews.co.tz/home/?n=19227&cat=home
by Daily News Reporter

[kiligoland]

A Russian utilities company is planning to invest USD 700m in what could be the largest independent hydropower project in Tanzania. Zarubezhstroy Corporation (ZARS) is set to embark on a five-year venture to put up a hydroelectric power (HEP) plant at Rumakali in Iringa Region which.
When completed, is expected to cover 20 to 25 per cent of Tanzania’s hydropower needs.
ZARS Board of Directors Chairman Razmik Tarzerdyan intimated to this The Guardian on the sidelines of the two-day Ninth African Investment Forum, which ended in Dar es Salaam yesterday, that the project will initially generate 222 Megawatts (MW) to be fed directly into the national grid.
He said there would be a massive boom in power supply as production at the plant approached optimal capacity, at which point it will be generating at least 464 MW.
“The Rumakali HEP initiative will make massive use of transfer technology to leverage the benefits of generation capacity built via the various other ventures ZARS is currently engaged in,” he added.
The Russian power firm, which also produces and supplies equipment to electricity ventures across the globe, has power production operations in several African countries including Libya and Uganda.
Tarzerdyan revealed that his company is behind the 750-MW Karuma Hydropower Project in Uganda, where it is expected to boost electricity supply appreciably when completed, adding that it also runs several energy sector projects in the EU, Asia, the Americas and in its native Russia.
He said the company is committed to improving the welfare of communities in all countries where it operates, “by implementing development projects such as construction of schools in line with our corporate social responsibility policy”.
A second company is meanwhile also exploring the possibility of investing in the energy sector in Tanzania, but this time with underground heating in mind.
The firm is Kalahari Energy Limited, whose director Moses Banda says they are studying the geothermal potential in and around Lake Tanganyika.
Briefing Forum delegates on the plans yesterday, Banda explained that they are looking “to broaden our company’s energy portfolio by adding to similar investments in Uganda and Malawi”.
SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN

[tanzan]

Originally Posted by TZBoy

This is very good for the southern regions. Now we just need ATCL to get back up and running again.

my beloved atcl...I have not given up on them! as you can see I have not changed my avatar for a long time. I believe something will come soon as 4 investors are in talks with atcl. 1 one of them is an alliance partner.

[tanzan]

Originally Posted by kiligoland

A Russian utilities company is planning to invest USD 700m in what could be the largest independent hydropower project in Tanzania. Zarubezhstroy Corporation (ZARS) is set to embark on a five-year venture to put up a hydroelectric power (HEP) plant at Rumakali in Iringa Region which.
When completed, is expected to cover 20 to 25 per cent of Tanzania’s hydropower needs.
ZARS Board of Directors Chairman Razmik Tarzerdyan intimated to this The Guardian on the sidelines of the two-day Ninth African Investment Forum, which ended in Dar es Salaam yesterday, that the project will initially generate 222 Megawatts (MW) to be fed directly into the national grid.
He said there would be a massive boom in power supply as production at the plant approached optimal capacity, at which point it will be generating at least 464 MW.
“The Rumakali HEP initiative will make massive use of transfer technology to leverage the benefits of generation capacity built via the various other ventures ZARS is currently engaged in,” he added.
The Russian power firm, which also produces and supplies equipment to electricity ventures across the globe, has power production operations in several African countries including Libya and Uganda.
Tarzerdyan revealed that his company is behind the 750-MW Karuma Hydropower Project in Uganda, where it is expected to boost electricity supply appreciably when completed, adding that it also runs several energy sector projects in the EU, Asia, the Americas and in its native Russia.
He said the company is committed to improving the welfare of communities in all countries where it operates, “by implementing development projects such as construction of schools in line with our corporate social responsibility policy”.
A second company is meanwhile also exploring the possibility of investing in the energy sector in Tanzania, but this time with underground heating in mind.
The firm is Kalahari Energy Limited, whose director Moses Banda says they are studying the geothermal potential in and around Lake Tanganyika.
Briefing Forum delegates on the plans yesterday, Banda explained that they are looking “to broaden our company’s energy portfolio by adding to similar investments in Uganda and Malawi”.
SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN

25% of the world's fresh water resoures are in Tanzania...but we have water & electricity problems.???

But I am glad we started investing and it is never too late. with all these projects...I think by 2015 we could have 5000 MW on grid if all goes well.