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ByCaroline Njoroge
Posted on April 27, 2016
The Chinese government has assured President Magufuli of its full support in the project
The Chinese government has assured President Magufuli of its full support in the project of upgrading the Central Railway Line to Standard Gauge
Cr Lu Youqing, Chinese Ambassador to Tanzania met the president at State House and affirmed that his government is ready to partner with Tanzania in construction of the $6.8billion project covering 2,561 kilometres.
A statement issued by the Directorate of the State House communications cited President Magufuli assured the envoy on the country’s determination to commence construction of the project immediately and one trillion shillings had been set aside for the project from its budget.
“It is our belief that the project will revolutionise the economy of the country and that of the entire East and Central African region- Burundi, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)” he said. He added further “That’s why we have no time to waste. We want to start off the project immediately; we want our people to enjoy the benefits as soon as possible,” emphasized President.
President Magufuli said Tanzania was committed to the project as evidenced by representatives led by Works Minister Prof Makame Mbarawa who had been in China to finalise agreements with various firms from the country.
Upon completion of Minister Mbarawa’s initiatives, the government was expected to invite tenders for the project whose first phase is expected to cover 1,216 kilometres stretching from Dar es Salaam-Tabora-Isaka-Mwanza.
The Chinese ambassador commended Tanzania’s effort to set funds, equipment, human resources for implementation of the project.
