TICTS announces storage amnesty to clear Dar port

TICTS announces storage amnesty to clear Dar port

By Abdallah Bawazir

3rd July 2009

Container at Dar Port

The Tanzania International Container Terminal Services, TICTS has announced a USD 14 million waiver amnesty package on different charges payable by owners of cargo.

The move is geared at decongesting Dar es Salaam Port which is overwhelmed by containers.

Addressing journalists in Dar es Salaam on Wednesday, TICTS Chief Executive Officer, Neville Bissett said the decision to waive charges equivalent to 18bn/- was unanimously reached by his company, the Tanzania Revenue Authority, shipping companies and inland container depots to lessen blockage that of late sparked much criticism against TICTS.

“All local and transit containers lying in the port or inland container depots for over 120 days as of June 15, 2009 are considered eligible for this amnesty which will last for 30 days only from August 1 to 30.

Importers are encouraged to seek valid information regarding their containers whether eligible for the amnesty or not,” Bissett appealed.

The resolve to remove nearly 500 containers still lying at the port, said Bissett was in compliance with the directive by President Jakaya Kikwete who visited the port in January this year.

“We would like to regain nearly 20 per cent of space currently occupied to create space for new consignment,” he added.

Delayed submission of documents, delayed payment for delivered orders and other reasons were among other factors mentioned behind the distressing jamming at the Dar es Salaam port.

He requested all customers to complete all the necessary documentation to obtain the necessary releases to enable them to pay port charges within the deadline.

“On September 1, 2009 all remaining consignments will be handed over to TRA for auctioning.

The amnesty scheme offers one-off discounted storage rates of USD1,500 for a container that has stayed at the port for more than 365 days, USD2,000 for a container that has remained at the port between 181 and 365 days and USD2,500 for those at the port for between 120 and 180 days,” he said.

Usually imported containers destined for the country have seven days grace period while those on transit are given 21 days grace period after which USD20 is charged everyday depending on what is known as twenty-feet equivalent unit.

Asked to react on criticism regarding inefficiency that subjected TICTS to heated debate in the recent past, CEO Bissett said the only thing he wished was for TICTS to engage with all stakeholders to build an efficient facility that would handle the often complex trade passing through the port.

“Let me not comment on issues that had been raised against TICTS. We understand that the number of port users is high and that they are from different aspects of the transport community. We are committed to meet expectations of our clients,” he said.

Debate in parliament has been raging among legislators since last year some calling for nullification of the contract previously concluded and known to have controversially been extended to 15 years ahead of time and others suggesting ending of exclusivity by giving way to similar companies to provide comparable services at the port to increase competition.

According to presentation in parliament by the chairman of the Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee, Kabwe Zitto in April this year, improvement of infrastructure such as roads and railway network would alleviate congestion at the port and help TICTS increase efficiency.

SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN