Governments sharing the Dar es Salaam-Isaka Railway line project are to meet in Maputo Mozambique to discuss the share structures in the project. James Musoni, the Minister Finance and Economic Planning said that the three states will discuss which country to own how many shares, how to manage the railway and consider public private partnerships. The three countries: Rwanda, Burundi and Tanzania will also talk about how to raise equity, to source for concessional loans and how to manage the line. The move comes after a feasibility study which was financed by African Development Bank has been completed. The study paves the way for another one that is aimed at coming up with the cost of the Dar-Isaka-Kigali and Burundi railway link. The study will also come up with the necessary investment required for improving the existing Isaka- Dar Es Salaam old railway line. Musoni said an American firm Fox River was hired to conduct the second study. It’s an important project on my side. I feel it is on a right course and it will succeed because the three states are committed towards regional economic development, he said. When competed, the Isaka-Kigali- 450km railway line and the 198km Burundi link will enable the development and exploitation of un-tapped natural resources to provide the critical level of tonnage to support the railway corridor development. The three governments are sourcing funds for the construction of this railway. And, according to Musoni, the African Development Bank (ADB), World Bank, International Finance Corporation and European Commission have expressed interest to fund the project. The construction of the railway line is hoped will ease movement of passengers, goods and reduce transport costs therefore improving trade in the East African Community economic bloc. The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has also shown interest in the railway. Ends
