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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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.
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“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
