THE Tanzania Port Authority (TPA) has reported a significant increase in cargo at the port of Dar es Salaam, with the number of containers rising from 7,151 in April to 20,151 in July this year.

Amos Makala, the ruling party secretary for Ideology, Publicity and Training was at the port as Josephat Lukindo, the TPA operations and coordination manager, outlined the investor’s drive to boost efficiency, as DP World invested in modern machinery through its Dar es Salaam subsidiary.

The key factor is a $250m by the Dubai-based global port management operator, to improve operations at berths 0 to 7, as a section of the port facilities was shifted to DP World in April.

The work included repairing existing equipment and acquiring new assets such as 20 tractors, 31 trailers, seven 10,000 KV generators for backup power and cranes for heavy cargo handling, the manager noted.

Additionally, modern IT systems were installed to replace outdated technology, significantly enhancing operational efficiency. This upgrade has contributed to an 18.2 percent increase in container cargo volume over three months, he said.

Improvements have placed the port of Dar es Salaam in a position to compete with major African ports, citing comparisons with Moroccan ports.

During his visit, the ruling party executive expressed satisfaction with TPA's performance and the positive impact of the DP World investment, as it put paid to critics earlier opposing the deal in vehement terms.

He cited criticisms raised concerning other investments, such as the purchase of a fleet of airplanes for Air Tanzania Co. (ATCL), the standard gauge railway and the Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project. 

The criticisms have been shown to have been proven unfounded as these projects have delivered benefits, he said, reaffirming ruling party support for government investments in crucial infrastructure. 

Such initiatives are aligned with the party’s election manifesto, he emphasised, noting that the progress observed at the port of Dar es Salaam was totally satisfactory.

Juma Kijavala, the TPA deputy director general, expressed surprise at the swift success of DP World investment, citing measures taken to improve operational efficiency to attract local and international traders.

The port’s enhanced services will enable it to compete globally, he added.