Why President Samia’s completion of SGR train is pivot to our national destiny

DAR ES SALAAM: AUGUST 1st, 2024, will forever be etched in the annals of Tanzania’s history as a defining moment.

It marks the culmination of a vision that spans political, economic and international dimensions, brought to fruition under the decisive leadership of President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan.

The inauguration of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) is not merely the completion of a multibillion-shilling project, but a testament to the unwavering determination and pragmatic approach of a leader dedicated to her country’s progress.

For historians, Samia’s presidency signals the dawn of a new era for Tanzania. It highlights that while the nation’s destiny is shaped by the collective efforts of its people, it is the resolute leadership that propels us towards national prominence.

In the 1970s, Tanzania embarked on the Tanzania Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA) railway project with an interest-free loan of about 166million US dollars from the Chinese government, an endeavour that defined the first era of our railway system.

President Samia’s government has seamlessly aligned with our national destiny, embodying a continuity of governance.

Former President Jakaya Kikwete rightly acknowledges that the groundwork for the SGR began during the tenure of the late President Benjamin Mkapa, and was carried forward by the late President John Magufuli.

This continuity underscores that monumental achievements are often the result of successive efforts and collaboration.

ALSO READ: Local firms pocket 3.7tri/- from SGR project

As a proud Tanzanian, I had the privilege of experiencing the SGR firsthand. Boarding the train one June morning with ticket number 58 and carriage number 8, I was filled with awe.

The SGR represents the pinnacle of public transport in our nation.

Despite minor inconveniences like the food restrictions, which kept me from bringing my trays of chicken eggs onboard, the experience was transformative.

This article is not about those eggs, but about how travel integrates into our daily lives and the broader economy, reflecting the visionary leadership of President Samia.

With the SGR poised to serve over 3,000 passengers daily, it is set to generate significant economic momentum, provided our management continues to invest wisely.

The United States and Japan serve as historical precedents, where investments in railway systems spurred economic booms and industrial powerhouses.

Japan’s Shinkansen, inspired by nature and engineering genius of Eiji Nakatsu, stands as a testament to the transformative power of high-speed rail.

A call to global investors Tanzania is not a country of watch what we do, but an economy that calls investors in the most stable political economy in East Africa.

We invite visionary investors from across the globe that have the expertise in managing high speed railway systems like Turkey, Japan, China, France and South Korea to join us in this transformative journey.

Tanzania’s commitment to developing state-of-theart infrastructure presents unparalleled opportunities for collaboration.

Investing in our high-speed rail system is not just a business decision but a chance to be part of a legacy that will drive economic growth and regional integration.

Together, we can shape the future of transportation in East Africa and beyond.

I do believe that Japan’s E5 and H5 Series Shinkansen trains are among the best on Earth in terms of quality, durability and performance, so is France’s TGV and China’s CR 400 fuxing trains, in the great feat of diplomacy, Tanzania topography is poised for great high level infrastructure investments.

The geography is fast, but the country is peaceful and people very friendly.

President Samia’s completion of the SGR is a landmark achievement that cements her legacy as a leader attuned to the nation’s destiny.

As I journeyed on the high-speed train, I reflected on my country’s progress. Steve Jobs’ poignant words from 2010 resonate deeply, reminding us of our interdependence and the collective contributions that shape our lives: “I grow little of the food I eat and the little I grow I do not breed or perfect the seeds.

I do not make any of my own clothing. I speak a language I did not invent or refine.

I did not discover the mathematics I use, I am protected by freedoms and laws I did not conceive of or legislate and do not enforce or adjudicate. I am moved by music I did not create myself.

When I needed medical attention, I was helpless to help myself survive. I did not invent the transistor, the microprocessor, object-oriented programming or most of the technology I work with.

I love and admire my species, living and dead and I am totally dependent on them for my life and wellbeing.” Sitting in seat number 58, I pondered the sustainability of our government’s achievements.

The SGR is a monumental asset, but its true value lies in our ability to maintain and nurture it for future generations.

The challenge extends beyond the tangible infrastructure to the very ethos of our society. Can we uphold the standards set by this project? Can we ensure its longevity and maximise its benefits? As I gazed out the window, witnessing the marvel of engineering I did not create, I asked myself: Can I keep it? This question echoes through every facet of our nation’s development.

From the cleanliness of train facilities to the broader implications for our transportation sector, education system and economy, it is a call to action for every Tanzanian.

Under the steadfast guidance of Presidents Magufuli and Samia, we have embarked on a new era of transportation.

The SGR is more than a train; it is a symbol of our collective effort, resilience and hope for a brighter future. Let us honour this achievement by committing to its preservation and continued progress, ensuring that it remains a source of pride for generations to come.

The government has so far injected 8.4 trillion Tanzania shillings, it is riding the rails of destiny, a project that redefines progress, of a new Tanzanian era on railway tracks. It is part of President Samia’s 4R vision, where one R is rebuilding.

A journey of transformation, strategic investment which requires, a change of mindset, as a person, as a society and as the public for the sake of this great land, under the SSH.

Rarely has a single project of infrastructure been accepted by the public and at the same time make some few businesses afraid of competition.

The value of competition is the public sector does not only yield efficiency, but create new zones of trade and economic expansion.

In all aspects, the SGR has is at the epicentre of our economic life, the government’s political experience and one of the most significant projects in the modern era in our nation’s history.

President Samia has written our chapter as the figure in chief on the destiny of our country.

It is imperative we play our part, in supporting and protecting the nation’s vital projects in this destiny Presidency including our new SGR track and train.

The writer is an Advocate of the High court, who contributes to International and local Affairs and legal opinions. Mobile: +255719500555 Email: novartigoshaj@gmail.com