The Tanzania Railways Corporation (TRC) is continuing its stakeholder engagement tour with various institutions from Tanzania and Burundi, following the launch of the second phase of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) construction. This phase includes the seventh section from Uvinza to Malagarasi and the eighth section from Malagarasi to Msongati, which commenced in February 2025.
TRC, together with a team from Burundi, is conducting this tour to engage stakeholders at different levels, including the Kigoma Regional Commissioner, the Consul of Burundi, district commissioners, security agencies, environmental stakeholders, and key government institutions involved in the project. These include the Rural and Urban Roads Agency (TARURA), Tanzania National Roads Agency (TANROADS), Dar es Salaam Water and Sewerage Authority (DAWASA), and Tanzania Electric Supply Company (TANESCO).
The Kigoma Regional Commissioner, Hon. Thobias Andengenye, stated that the completion of the SGR sections from Tabora to Kigoma, Uvinza to Malagarasi, and Malagarasi to Msongati will be a catalyst for economic growth between Tanzania and Burundi. “Kigoma has the potential to become an economic and trade hub for the western region,” said Hon. Thobias Andengenye.
Furthermore, he commended TRC for engaging leaders and the public in discussions about the project before and during construction, as this will facilitate a smoother implementation process through public awareness and education. People need to understand that the SGR belongs to them. This awareness will enhance security, as anyone seen sabotaging the SGR infrastructure will be considered an enemy of all, he added.
Meanwhile, Burundi’s Permanent Secretary for Infrastructure, Hon. Eng. Nijimbere Egide, expressed appreciation for the collaboration, stating that Burundi will benefit from TRC’s expertise in railway infrastructure. He highlighted that Burundi will send professionals to Tanzania for engineering and railway operations training.
“We are grateful for the warm reception and are confident that we will achieve our intended goals by the time this project is completed,” said Hon. Eng. Nijimbere Egide.
TRC’s Director of Construction and Infrastructure, Eng. Machibya Masanja, explained that the second phase of construction is divided into three sections:
- the sixth section from Tabora to Kigoma (506 km),
- the seventh and eighth sections from Uvinza to Msongati (240 km),
- and the ninth section from Kaliua to Mpanda Karema (307 km).
“This construction will involve setting up camps in both Tanzania and Burundi,” he noted.
Additionally, he urged road construction agencies to ensure seamless connectivity between railway stations and business areas to prevent public dissatisfaction due to limited access to stations.
The stakeholder engagement tour will continue into Burundi, fostering a deeper understanding among local leaders to better prepare during the design phase of the SGR construction project from Uvinza to Malagarasi and Malagarasi to Msongati.
