Unguja. Zanzibar minister of Works, Communications and Transport, Dr Khalid Salum Mohamed, has outlined Zanzibar Port Authority’s (ZPA) strategies in a speech delivered to the House of Representatives.
The ZPA estimates total revenue of Sh37.9 billion for the year, with expenditures reaching Sh77.4 billion.
This includes Sh8 billion for routine operations, Sh8.7 billion for salaries, and Sh60.6 billion for development projects.
To finance a portion of these projects, according to Dr Mohammed’s budget speech, the authority will have to take a loan of Sh40 billion.
The ZPA anticipates a busy year, aiming to serve over 20,000 vessels, including domestic ships, foreign ships, and Dhows.
“Cargo handling is also projected to rise, with the Authority expecting to manage nearly 2 million tonnes of mixed cargo, over 68,000 containers, and 158,000 tonnes of fuel,” he said on Wednesday, May 29.
According to the minister, several key projects are underway, including the construction of the Shumba Port in Kizimkazi and improvements to Mkoani Port.
The Mkoani project encompasses office buildings, passenger terminals, the Mpiga Duri passenger port, and the establishment of sea tax stations.
Additionally, repairs are planned for towers in Makunduchi and Mwana Mwana.
The ZPA’s planned procurements for modernization include tugboats, pilot boats and vehicles.
Other include cargo scanning machines, ship guiding buoys, ICT equipment, and oil spill equipment.
“To further enhance efficiency, 43 staff members will receive training through short- and long-term programmes.”
The minister told the House that a public-private partnership between the ZPA and Zanzibar Multipurpose Terminal (ZMT) at Malindi Port has yielded positive results.
“The Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar, through the Ministry of Works, Communications, and Transport under its institution, the Port Authority, entered into a contract on May 18, 2023, with Africa Global Logistic (AGL) registered in Zanzibar under the name Zanzibar Multipurpose Terminal (ZMT).”
As a result of this partnership, waiting times for ships have decreased, container handling efficiency has improved, and bulk cargo handling capacity has risen.
Additionally, modern lighting facilitates 24-hour operations, and a dry port is under construction to further expedite service delivery.
The ZMT project prioritises staff development. Forty-two employees have been trained and certified in operating heavy equipment, ensuring efficient use of new machinery like Reach Stackers and mobile cranes.
The Zanzibar Ports Authority’s plans for 2024/2025 target increased capacity, improved efficiency, and a skilled workforce that will position Zanzibar’s ports to play a vital role in the islands’ economic development.
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Source: allafrica.com
