KIGALI - The World Bank and the African Development Bank have agreed to finance the rail link between Tanzania, Rwanda and Burundi to enhance trade among East African nations.

This was confirmed during the on-going inter ministerial meeting of Ministers of Infrastructure from the three countries.

Speaking to the media yesterday, Burundi’s Minister for Public Works and Equipment, Eng. Anatole Kanyenkiko, revealed that several parts of this study were presented in Tunis during a roundtable meeting with development partners and the private sector, in March and approved.

"The roundtable observed that the project is bankable, economically and financially feasible. This project is very important for our countries and our region.” Eng. Kanyenkiko said.

Experts say that construction works of this crucial railway line is likely be completed by 2014.

Currently, Rwanda is in charge of coordinating the multi-country project and the current plan for the railroad is to construct a modern high-speed train that travels with a minimum speed of 120 kilometres per hour.

Upon completion, most importers and exporters will shift from Mombasa port to Dar es Salaam as it will become possible to travel to Kigali within a single day, as opposed to the six days it currently takes.

If the project is successful, the high-speed train will be the fastest in the East African region with the capacity to carry several tonnes of cargo in each of the 2,000 wagons.

Speaking after yesterday’s meeting, Tanzania’s Minister of Infrastructure, Dr. Shukuru Kawambwa, said the project was very encouraging.

The study is currently being conducted by Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railway (BNSF).

"The rail we are building in the three countries will be on a standard gauge – it will be stable enough to carry more loads, and faster,” Dr. Kawambwa told reporters.

Kawambwa stressed that the speed factor is an encouraging development and, together with the standard gauge factor, are all in line with the EAC policy on infrastructure.

Rwanda’s new Infrastructure minister, Vincent Karega, observed that a valid picture on the total project cost will be known later.

The railway project will provide an efficient common multinational transport network that will prop up regional economic integration and develop zones with high mining, agriculture, industrial and commercial potential in the wider region, encompassing the Democratic Republic of Congo and beyond.

Ends