Exim
Bank gave a nod yesterday over financing the construction after its
president, Mr Liu Liang, met President John Magufuli at the State Lodge
in Dodoma.
Mr Liu said apart from the funds, the bank would cooperate with Tanzania
in exchanging experience and skills on the construction of the railway
and its management. He praised Dr Magufuli for what he termed “his true
desire to bring development to the country,’’ including fostering the
construction of the central railway line. “On this central railway line
project, we have a positive view. We see it as good project.
We will accord the needed cooperation,” Mr Liu pledged.
According to him, the bank is ready to support the railway project and
other development projects. President Magufuli assured Mr Liu that
Tanzania desires to implement such projects by using funds from its own
budget and foreign sources.
The talks between President Magufuli and Mr Liu were held in the
presence of Chinese Ambassador to Tanzania, Dr Lu Youqing, the Minister
for Works, Transport and Communication, Professor Makame Mbarawa,
Finance and Planning Minister, Dr Philip Mpango and Deputy Minister for
Foreign Affairs, East African, Regional and International Cooperation,
Dr Suzan Kolimba.
According to a statement issued yesterday by the State House, the amount
is enough to cover construction of 2,190 kilometres. The project is
expected to start this financial year as the government has also set
aside about 1tri/- from the current budget for the purpose.
Once completed, it is expected that the project will revolutionise
Tanzania’s economy and other countries in Eastern and Central Africa
including Burundi, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The
first phase will constitute the construction of the railway line from
Dar es Salaam to Mwanza via Isaka and Tabora.
