New 9bn/- project to ease port clearance

PLANS are underway to cut dwelling time at the Dar es Salaam Port from the current 11 days to five days, in a 9bn/- Single Electric Window project expected to take off towards the end of this year.

The Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA) Director General, Mr Ephraim Mgawe, told a stakeholders' meeting in Bagamoyo on Monday that when the project takes off, the country would save up to 42.8 million US dollars per annum.

"Once implemented, the system will significantly reduce the cargo dwelling time at the port. Some 42.8 million US dollars will be rescued," he said.

He noted that the success of the project requires participation of all stakeholders involved in trade facilitation, both from the public service and the private sector, adding that so far the collaboration was good.

"Some achievements made include, establishment of the steering committee, secretariat set up, conclusion of a system study, while the tender documents for the project have already been prepared," he said.

The TPA Director of ICT, Mr Ayubu Kamti, said preparations for the project have been funded by the World Bank, adding that the remaining part would either be locally funded or be completed by the World Bank.

"We are looking forward to having the system in place by the end of the year or early next year. We will then be operating within the international recommended cargo dwelling time, which is between three to six days," he said.

The Port of Mombasa who are Dar Port main competitors have a six-day dwelling time. This means Dar es Salaam would be in a position to attract more customers when the project becomes operational.

"The proposed system aims to minimize the troubles of the old procedures in which customers moved up and down with documents in their hands. It will also increase efficiency," Mr Kamti said.

Commenting , the President of Tanzania Freight Forwarders Association (TAFFA), Mr Otieno Igogo, noted that the new system would also help curb forgery as there would be only one shared document.

Mr Igogo, who is Chairman of Port Community System Steering Committee, noted that the project has 17 members so far, out of whom 13 have already signed a memorandum of understanding of collaboration.

"We are meeting to see what options can be taken to ensure the project takes off soon," he said.
The Chief of Party of USAID Compete, Mr Steve Walls, a TPA partner in the project, said Tanzania would play a significant role in the economic growth of the neighbouring landlocked countries.

By ABDULWAKIL SAIBOKO, 7th March 2011