Prof Lipumba lauds SGR project for economic boost
DODOMA: THE Civic United Front (CUF) National Chairman, Professor Ibrahim Lipumba, praised the government’s ambitious standard gauge railway (SGR) project during its official launch yesterday.
Speaking aboard the new electric train travelling from Dar es Salaam to Dodoma, Prof Lipumba emphasised the project’s potential to drive economic growth and enhance the quality of life across the nation.
The inauguration, led by President Samia Suluhu Hassan, marks a significant milestone in Tanzania’s development, promising to revolutionise transportation with its modern and efficient services.
He emphasised the importance of ensuring that the project is managed efficiently and maintained to international standards.
Prof Lipumba, who is also a noted economist, underscored that the effective use of the electric train will significantly boost economic activities and contribute to national development.
“This is a landmark investment that requires robust management to achieve profitability. With competent and skilled oversight, this massive project will be a key driver of economic growth,” said Prof Lipumba.
His sentiments were echoed by the Secretary for Ideology, Publicity, and Training of the ruling party CCM, Amos Makala.
Makala hailed the SGR project as a significant milestone in Tanzania’s transportation sector.
He noted that the electric train would reduce travel times, facilitate faster and more affordable movement of goods, and help alleviate traffic congestion on highways.
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“Other African countries are looking to us for lessons on how to manage such projects. We should take pride in our achievements and the progress our country is making,” Makala stated.
He also highlighted that the success of this project aligns with the directives outlined in CCM’s 2020-2025 manifesto.
Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner Albert Chalamila emphasised the importance of maintaining the security and safety of the SGR infrastructure.
“Damage to infrastructure often starts at the community level. Members of the Tanzania Railways Corporation (TRC) must adopt a patriotic approach and ensure that electrical tickets are readily available to meet public demand,” Chalamila urged.
Coast Regional Commissioner Abubakari Kunenge added that the electric train would enhance trade between regions and facilitate easier movement of people for both economic and social purposes.
The SGR project, which upon completion will cost 23.3tri/- represents a significant step forward in Tanzania’s infrastructure development and promises to reshape the country’s transportation landscape and bolster economic activities across regions.
