TRANSPORT Minister Prof. Makame Mbarawa has instructed the contractor overseeing construction of the fifth lot of standard gauge railway (SGR) from Mwanza to Isaka to address issues identified in completed sections to avoid recurrence.

Prof. Mbarawa issued the directive here on Thursday during his visit to inspect the ongoing SGR project which spans 341 km as well as Malampaka station, expected to serve Simiyu and Mara regions. 

He highlighted challenges faced in areas such as Dar es Salaam, Morogoro and Dodoma, where operations had already commenced. One key issue was limited parking space.

“From Dar es Salaam to Dodoma, we initially faced parking challenges.  We must ensure better planning since population increases. I believe we are not too late,” he said.

Regarding the project’s progress, Prof. Mbarawa reported that overall completion stands at 63.04percent, with the remaining 30 percent—including installation of poles and laying of rails—expected to be finished “soon.”

He also mentioned that embankment construction is 89 percent while structural works, including bridges and culverts, are more than 74 percent, commending the contractor for continued efforts.

Director General of Tanzania Railway Corporation (TRC), Masanja Kadogosa, explained that construction had temporarily paused due to   ongoing rain.  

He also noted that major stations in Shinyanga, Malampaka, Isaka, and Mwanza are still under construction. Between November and January, the project received $37 million (95.6bn/-) for construction work.

Project manager, Moga Kulwa, said Malampaka station will have the capacity to serve 502 people concurrently.

Simiyu Regional Commissioner, Kenan Kihongosi, added that the project will significantly contribute to the country’s economic growth and improve public transport and movement of goods.

During the visit, Prof. Mbarawa also inspected Shinyanga Airport and instructed project manager to ensure that the directives issued by Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa are promptly implemented.

Prof Mbarawa urged the Tanzania National Roads Agency (TANROADS) to supervise the contractor and ensure prompt procurement of materials and installation of lights at the airport before the set deadline.

“This airport is ready for use as Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa mentioned during his visit. Therefore, the project managers, alongside TANROADS, must ensure that the contractor installs the lights and makes the airport operational at night before April,” he said.

The contract for the airport expansion was signed in 2017 but faced delays before resuming in 2023, with the project now in its final stages.

Lugano Mwinuka, a representative from the Tanzania Airports Authority (TAA), said Shinyanga Airport will accommodate regional flights with the capacity of 76 passengers and can also serve as an emergency airport.

Shinyanga Regional Commissioner, Anamringi Macha, noted that the airport’s construction had created economic opportunities in the region.

TANROADS executive director, Donatus Binamungu, reported that the airport construction had reached 74 percent, with the runway completed, allowing daytime flights.