Tanzania Boosts Central Corridor Cargo With DRC Dry Port Land Acquisition

Tanzania Boosts Central Corridor Cargo With DRC Dry Port Land Acquisition

Tanzania has secured 60 hectares of land in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to develop a dry port, aiming to enhance cargo movement along the central corridor and boost transshipments at Tanzanian ports.

The newly acquired land will facilitate the construction of a dry port, serving as a logistics hub for cargo arriving from Tanzania’s ports and destined for the DRC and landlocked neighbors like Burundi.

This development comes in response to a significant increase in cargo destined for the DRC, which reached 3.4 million tonnes last year.

The Port of Dar es Salaam, which is linked to the Central Corridor, has been intensifying its competition with Kenya’s Port of Mombasa, part of the Northern Corridor.

Dar es Salaam has been enhancing its efficiency and competitive edge to attract more cargo through the Central Corridor.

The formalisation of the land acquisition occurred during a meeting where Marc Ekila Likombo, the DRC’s Minister of Transport, handed over the documentation to Prof Godius Kahyarara, Tanzania’s Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Transport.

This initiative forms part of Tanzania’s broader strategy to strengthen economic ties and improve logistical connections with neighbouring countries.

The development of dry ports is intended to streamline transit cargo management, reduce congestion at Dar es Salaam Port, and expedite the movement of goods to and from the DRC.

This project is a key component of the Tanzania Ports Authority’s master plan to enhance port infrastructure and operational efficiency.

The dry ports will accelerate clearance and shipping processes, benefiting traders and improving trade efficiency between the two nations.

While the Great Lakes countries have historically favored the Northern Corridor via the Port of Mombasa, there has been a shift with some landlocked neighbors now routing their cargo through the Central Corridor and Dar es Salaam.

The Central Corridor, spanning 1,300 km, begins at the Port of Dar es Salaam and serves Tanzania, Zambia, Rwanda, Burundi, Uganda, and Eastern DRC.

In contrast, the Northern Corridor, stretching 1,700 km, starts from the Port of Mombasa and serves Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, and Eastern DRC.

Source: allafrica.com

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Tanzania Confirms Second Marburg Outbreak After WHO Chief Visit

Dar es Salaam — Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan has declared an outbreak of Marburg virus, confirming a single case in the northwestern region of Kagera after a meeting with WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

The confirmation follows days of speculation about a possible outbreak in the region, after the WHO reported a number of deaths suspected to be linked to the highly infectious disease.

While Tanzania’s Ministry of Health declared last week that all suspected cases had tested negative for Marburg, the WHO called for additional testing at international reference laboratories.

“We never know when an outbreak might occur in a neighbouring nation. So we ensure infection prevention control assessments at every point of care as routine as a morning greeting at our workplaces.”Amelia Clemence, public health researcher

Subsequent laboratory tests conducted at Kagera’s Kabaile Mobile Laboratory and confirmed in Dar es Salaam identified one positive case, while 25 other suspected cases tested negative, the president told a press conference in Dodoma, in the east of the country today (Monday).

“The epicentre has now shifted to Biharamulo district of Kagera,” she told the press conference, distinguishing this outbreak from the previous one centred in Bukoba district.

Tedros said the WHO would release US$3 million from its emergencies contingency fund to support efforts to contain the outbreak.

Health authorities stepped up surveillance and deployed emergency response teams after the WHO raised the alarm about nine suspected cases in the region, including eight deaths.

The suspected cases displayed symptoms consistent with Marburg infection, including headache, high fever, diarrhoea, and haemorrhagic complications, according to the WHO’s alert to member countries on 14 January. The organisation noted a case fatality rate of 89 per cent among the suspected cases.

“We appreciate the swift attention accorded by the WHO,” Hassan said.

She said her administration immediately investigated the WHO’s alert.

“The government took several measures, including the investigation of suspected individuals and the deployment of emergency response teams,” she added.

Cross-border transmission

The emergence of this case in a region that experienced Tanzania’s first-ever Marburg outbreak in March 2023 has raised concerns about cross-border transmission, particularly following Rwanda’s recent outbreak that infected 66 people and killed 15 before being declared over in December 2024.

The situation is particularly critical given Kagera’s position as a transport hub connecting four East African nations.

Amelia Clemence, a public health researcher working in the region, says constant vigilance is required.

“We never know when an outbreak might occur in a neighbouring nation. So we ensure infection prevention control assessments at every point of care as routine as a morning greeting at our workplaces.”

The Kagera region’s ecosystem, home to fruit bats that serve as natural reservoirs for the Marburg virus, adds another layer of complexity to disease surveillance efforts.

The virus, closely related to Ebola, spreads through contact with bodily fluids and can cause severe haemorrhagic fever.

Transparency urged

Elizabeth Sanga, shadow minister of health for Tanzania’s ACT Wazalendo opposition party, says greater transparency would help guide public health measures.

“This could have helped to guide those who are traveling to the affected region to be more vigilant and prevent the risk of further spread,” she said.

WHO regional director for Africa Matshidiso Moeti says early notification of investigation outcomes is important.

“We stand ready to support the government in its efforts to investigate and ensure that measures are in place for an effective and rapid response,” she said, noting that existing national capacities built from previous health emergencies could be quickly mobilised.

The situation coincides with leadership changes in Tanzania’s Ministry of Health, with both the chief medical officer and permanent secretary being replaced.

This piece was produced by SciDev.Net’s Sub-Saharan Africa English desk.

Source: allafrica.com

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