Editor,

RE: "Poor collaboration is hindering regional railway project – report” (The New Times, March 13).

Last time we learned that President (John) Magufuli (of Tanzania) has been able to negotiate a similar standard gauge railroad at $1.5 million per kilometre.

Dear EALA MPs, it is too early to conclude that Tanzania got a better deal. There is no way you can finance the construction of a one-kilometre Standard Gauge railroad for $1.5 million. Just imagine the cost of the steel rails alone, and without even including the cost of cement, rocks, excavation and labour.

I am not a civil engineer but common sense tells me that the Tanzania deal will end up being so bad that their railway will be of poor quality, very dangerous and more costly in the long run.

Seth