Tanzania Railways Corporation (TRC) and Egyptian company Arab Contractors signed an agreement on Friday, 16 October, in Dar es Salaam to prepare the rail link project between Mtwara, Songea and Mbamba Bay, in southern Tanzania. Arab Contractors will take on the preliminary and feasibility studies, the Tanzanian public operator announced.
A first report is expected within three months of the signing. Once approved, the timetable provides for nine months for the detailed feasibility study, followed by a further nine months to draft a project proposal to seek funding, according to TRC director general Machibya Shiwa.
The protocol therefore organises the preparatory work without awarding a construction contract. Transport Minister Makame Mbarawa asked that the studies assess freight needs, costs and options for financing both the construction and the operation of the line.
The planned route includes branches towards Mchuchuma and Liganga. The government wants to connect the port of Mtwara with the agricultural, mining and industrial production areas of the country's south. TRC will provide technical information, coordinate the relevant administrations and review the proposals submitted by its partner.
The Mbamba Bay outlet on Lake Nyasa could then facilitate trade with Malawi and Mozambique by lake transport, The Citizen explains. The port of Mbamba Bay is itself under construction, the daily reports.