Truck owners eye BRT opportunities

By Guardian Reporter , The Guardian
Published at 10:22 AM Nov 25 2024
Ongoing constructions of BRT infrastructure in Dar es Salaam.
File
Ongoing constructions of BRT infrastructure in Dar es Salaam.

The members of Tanzania Medium and Small Truck Association (TAMSTOA) have shown an interest to become potential operators of the Bus Rapid Project (BRT), which is now being implemented on sixth phase.

They showed their interest when meeting the executive director of Public Private Partnership Centre David Kafulila at the end of last week in Dar es Salaam.

One of the association members Josephat Pallangyo asked the government to prioritise local investors to operate BRT projects.

TAMSTOA officials highlighted the association's interest in collaborating with the government and private sector stakeholders to operatethe BRT networks. 

The move aligns with Tanzania’s broader vision of providing efficient, affordable, and eco-friendly urban transportation solutions.

TAMSTOA's chairperson Chuki Shaban expressed confidence that the investment would not only benefit commuters by reducing travel time and congestion but also contribute to job creation and economic growth within the transport sector.

He said they are ready to mobilise resources within their members to purchase buses in different routes, which are currently under construction.

The association emphasized the importance of ensuring that public transport systems meet global standards in terms of safety, reliability, and sustainability. 

By investing in the BRT project, TAMSTOA aims to play a key role in shaping the future of Tanzania’s urban mobility infrastructure.

Further details on the scale of investment and specific areas of involvement are expected to be unveiled in upcoming discussions with relevant authorities and stakeholders.

Responding to the interest, Kafulila said local stakeholders have the opportunity to participatein BRT phases 3 to six, under PPP arrangement by submitting their expression of interests under unsolicited arrangement.

Tanzania's Public Private Partnership (PPP) framework is designed to foster collaboration between the public and private sectors, aiming to enhance infrastructure development and service delivery.

The centre supports public institutions in identifying viable projects that can benefit from private sector involvement. It also assists in preparing pre-feasibility and feasibility studies to ensure project bankability

The centre also markets Tanzania’s PPP opportunities to local and international investors, emphasizing the country’s commitment to fostering a business-friendly environment.

It monitors ongoing PPP projects to ensure their effectiveness, sustainability, and alignment with contractual agreements.

The PPP Centre is instrumental in addressing funding gaps in public infrastructure projects by leveraging private sector expertise and resources. 

This collaborative approach accelerates the delivery of critical infrastructure, promotes economic growth, and enhances service quality for Tanzanians.