Tanzania pays 49bn/- compensation for 887 hectares for Bagamoyo Port project

The government has paid 49bn/- in compensation to residents who have to relocate to pave the way for the Bagamoyo Port Strategic Project, as preparations for the major infrastructure investment advance.

Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA) official Stephen Mbogela disclosed this during a recent visit to the project site by Coast Regional Commissioner Stanslaus Nyongo. Eng Mbogela said the government has completed valuation and acquisition of 887 hectares for the project.

He added that the feasibility study and preliminary design were complete, while preparations to procure a contractor for deepening the entrance channel and constructing the turning basin were ongoing, critical works needed to accommodate modern cargo vessels.

Mr Nyongo said the government was continuing with procedures to ensure residents entitled to compensation receive their payments to pave the way for the project. "The port is very important not only for the development of this region but for our nation as a whole. It is crucial in strengthening trade, transport and investment. Our government values all residents who gave up their land for this project, and they will receive their entitlements," he said.

Mr Nyongo said the port, once completed, will help ease congestion at Dar es Salaam Port, link port operations with industrial parks, increase value addition and create employment, business and investment opportunities.

Meanwhile, a graphite mining project in Chalinze District, Bagamoyo, is expected to begin production at the end of this year, creating 300 jobs in its initial phase and up to 5,000 at peak production. The project investor, Mr Jumbe Nungu, told Mr Nyongo and his delegation during a visit to the site that the project requires an investment of 263.5bn/-, with mineral resources expected to sustain mining operations for about 100 years.