Why convening conferences to ensure SGR safety vital

A conference has been convened to alert the mass against vandalising the Standar Gauge Rail (SGR) in the country.

The initiative has been taken by the National Committee of Bishops and Sheikhs on Ethics, Peace and Human Rights, as a means to ensure that the strategic project that is being implemented by the Sixth Phase Government is a success and benefits travellers; local and foreign.

Chairman of the Committee, Bishop William Mwamalanga says it is pertinent to do that, as there are some sections of people in the society who are ignorant of the specific infrastructure, but also there are others who may collude for economic gains.

Bishop Mwamalanga says different conferences were organised in all regions that the SGR passes, including Dar es Salaam, Coast, Morogoro and Dodoma, to begin with and then a round up will be executed in other regions, in respect of the lots that are constructed.

The clergy notes that the strategy is to bring together all stakeholders such as the police officers, Tanzania Railway Corporation (TRC) workers, political and religious leaders as well as some people from the towns and villages where the SGR passes.

There have been cases of vandalising infrastructure that affect transport, although the truth is that such cases are rare because of minority of criminals in the country. However, there is a need to raise awareness among the people because SGR is new to the country and some may be tempted to walk into it and walk away with some items.

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Bishop Mwamalanga noted that interfering the SGR is a risk business, not only to people who do that but also to operators and passengers, given the fact that the vehicles use electricity. It could lead to loss of lives and destruction of property.

Bishop Mwamalanga and the committee arrived at the decision after making a tour to the infrastructure. He notes that there will also be raising awareness among the mass in churches and mosques, so that the faithful, in turn, could disperse the message to the general public.

The spotlight was on the official launch of the much-anticipated SGR electric train services between Dar es Salaam and Dodoma on August, marking a transformative milestone for Tanzania’s transportation sector.

President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who graced the launch, continues the legacy of her predecessors with unwavering dedication. The new SGR electric train services signify a major leap forward in the country’s infrastructure, offering increased efficiency and connectivity.

This modern rail link is set to revolutionise travel within Tanzania by significantly cutting journey hours and boosting economic activities across various regions.

The SGR electric train service from Dar es Salaam to Dodoma is expected to reduce travel time to just three hours and 25 minutes.

Said Kaoneka, a Kigamboni resident, anticipates that the transport system will ease commuting for employees who work in Dodoma with their families living in Dar es Salaam.

This substantial improvement is likely to enhance economic activities by enabling faster movement of goods and people, thus promoting regional connectivity and economic integration.

The timing of the inauguration coincides with the commencement of the Nane Nane agricultural exhibitions, starting July 31 and running until August 9. This alignment highlights the SGR’s role in supporting major national events and fostering regional engagement.

Former President, Dr Jakaya Kikwete lauded the initiative, commending President Samia for her commitment to completing the SGR project.

Dr Kikwete, who travelled on the new electric train from Dar es Salaam to Morogoro, praised the comfort and efficiency of the service, noting its significant reduction in travelling hours compared to road travel.

“I am very pleased to have travelled on this new train. It’s very comfortable. I deliberately chose to travel by train to see the progress we have made,” Dr Kikwete remarked.

The efficient SGR service is anticipated to stimulate regional development by enhancing connectivity between economic hubs.

Improved transport infrastructure is expected to attract investment, facilitate trade and provide a more reliable means of travel for passengers and freight alike. Additionally, the enhanced rail connectivity could spur tourism and support local economies along the rail corridor.

Dr Kikwete also highlighted the broader economic benefits of the SGR, noting its high capacity for transporting goods and its potential to further boost economic activities, especially when the railway extends to Mwanza.

At the inaugural event, the Head of State issued key directives to the Ministry of Transport to ensure Tanzanians benefit fully from the new train services.

“This is not just a railway; it is a lifeline that will bring our people closer, enhance trade and spur economic growth,” President Samia said.

The flagging-off event in Dar es Salaam in Augustsaw President Samia boarding the electric train to Dodoma, with stops at Pugu, Ngerengere and Morogoro to greet citizens. The launch culminated in Dodoma, where she addressed the public.

President Samia urged the TRC board and management to ensure the timely completion of the ongoing railway construction sections, adhering to agreed standards and quality.

She directed the ministry to complete the construction and repair of cargo ships on various lakes before the project ends, facilitating commercial links with sea and lake ports, particularly Victoria and Tanganyika.

The integration of the railway with air transport is crucial. The railway should connect to Terminal III of Julius Nyerere International Airport, allowing goods to move directly onto the railway for easy onward transportation.

“The use of modern ICT systems, including railway security systems, ticketing and passenger tracking, should be prioritised to avoid reverting to manual systems,” she insisted.

The government expects the TRC to commence issuing dividends without requesting subsidies. Separate accounts and accountability systems for SGR and Meter Gauge Railway (MGR) should be maintained to ensure transparency, President Samia directed.

“The TRC must establish a new work culture, implement robust maintenance and safety systems and provide ongoing training for staff in infrastructure management, operations and marketing,” she urged.

President Samia emphasised that the success of the railway depends on the combined efforts of the central government, regions, districts and private sector stakeholders. “We must unite to ensure the railway benefits everyone.”

SGR is a railway system, under construction and partially in operation, serving Tanzania and linking it to the neighbouring countries of Rwanda, Uganda and Burundi, and through these to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, as part of the East African Railway Master Plan. The new, electrified standard gauge railway is intended to replace the outdated metre-gauge railway system.

Bishop Mwamalanga hailed the 1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in) railway line that is intended to ease the transfer of goods between the port of Dar es Salaam and the Tanzanian hinterland as well as the cities of Kigali in Rwanda and Bujumbura in Burundi and ultimately Goma in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

From the lake port of Mwanza, ferries are expected to transport goods between Tanzania and Port Bell and Bukasa Inland Port, in Kampala, Uganda’s capital city. The SGR system in Tanzania, in conformity with plans in neighbouring Rwanda and Uganda, is designed to use electricity to power its locomotives.