Tanzania Railways Corporation (TRC) recently conducted a visit to Burundi, engaging with various stakeholders following the signing of the implementation agreement for Phase Two of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) project. This phase covers Section Seven (7) from Uvinza, Tanzania, and Section Eight (8) from Malagarasi to Msongati, Burundi.
The project agreement, initiated by the President of the United Republic of Tanzania, H.E. Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan, and the President of Burundi, H.E. Évariste Ndayishimiye, was signed at Magufuli Station in Dar es Salaam on 29 January 2025.
Burundi’s Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Infrastructure, Eng. Nijimbere Egide, highlighted that the TRC delegation visited the regions through which the SGR project is expected to pass, including Makamba and Rutana. He assured TRC that local communities are ready to welcome the project and will facilitate land acquisition to ease construction.
“I assure you that Burundi’s land acquisition laws are well-structured, and the citizens are fully prepared for this development,” stated Eng. Nijimbere Egide.
The Chairperson of the Technical Committee for Sections Seven and Eight of the SGR Project, Mr Benjamin Mbimbi, emphasised that the people of Burundi will benefit in multiple ways. These include economic growth in towns along the railway line due to increased movement of people and goods, as well as the establishment of schools, hospitals, and job opportunities in the project-affected areas.
“When a project of this scale is introduced, it is up to the citizens to seize investment opportunities, particularly in the hospitality sector and other community services,” said Mr Mbimbi.
Furthermore, TRC’s Director of Infrastructure, Eng. Machibya Masanja, explained that the project aims to connect the Msongati mine with the Port of Dar es Salaam, fostering trade integration between Burundi and Tanzania.
“Tanzania is providing a vital service to landlocked neighbours, enabling them to export goods, such as minerals from the Msongati mine, to European and other international markets,” stated Eng. Machibya.
He also touched on the investment costs, revealing that the project requires an estimated USD 2.154 billion. The implementation period will span 72 months, including 60 months of railway construction and an additional 12 months of monitoring.
“Although this section is relatively short, Burundi’s mountainous terrain necessitates extensive tunnels and large bridges,” added Eng. Machibya.
TRC will continue to raise awareness and educate Burundian communities about the project, working closely with local leaders and providing specialised training for technical professionals in Burundi.
