The Private Sector Federation (PSF) has called upon the authorities in Tanzania to address the twin challenge of poor infrastructure and roadblocks  at the Dar es salaam port which is route of 40 percent of Rwanda’s imports and exports.

The PSF says, the twin challenges on the southern  corridor are slowing business activities in the region. 

Faustin Kananura Bundu, Vice Chairperson of the umbrella organ of the business community in Rwanda said that here are about 28 roadblocks from Da-es-Salaam to the Rwandan Rusumo boarder.

He made the revelations  on Monday during a one day meeting aimed at promoting the Dar-es-salaam port as a gate way to East, Central and southern African.

The one day meeting was organized by the PSF in collaboration with Sky Sea limited at Kigali Serena hotel.

The PSF also says that they face challenges of slow operations at the port and trucks that are not allowed to cross the Tanzanian boarder after 6 pm.

"Since 2008 the government of Rwanda had removed roadblocks and has fully started operating 24 hours on the boarders”, Monique Mukaruriza, the Minister in charge of East African Affairs said.

Dr. Diodorus Buberwa Kamala, Tanzania’s Minister for East African Cooperation said that Tanzania has put in place measures to address these challenges.

They include the use of Asycuda++, an automation system that makes documentation of cargo faster and easier and consequently saving time.

Kamala who is also the Chairperson of the East African Community Council of Ministers pointed out that the Direct Trader Fee which was payable to the direct trader input (DTI) services has been waived and  plans are under way to attain a cargo tracking system for an effective control of transit goods.

"Tanzania does accept as true that in serving our customers who use Dar es Salaam port; we must corporate closely with all stake holders. If we don’t work in the concert, we stop movement at the port”, the Minister said.

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