Tanzania and Burundi have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to construct a 195km railway cargo line between the two East African countries
According to government officials, the project is expected to cost US$700mn and would facilitate transport of cargo between Tanzania and Burundi. The line will be built between Msongati in Burundi and Uvinza in Tanzania, officials added.
Harrison Mwakyembe, minister for transport in Tanzania, said, “Since last year, we have been engaged in talks over this project and we are happy that it can commence after the endorsement of the attorney generals and other senior officials of the two governments.”
Apart from the Msongati-Uvinza project, Mwakyembe added that efforts are underway to improve the central railway line, which is currently undergoing rehabilitation in segments.
“We are planning to assign one company for this joint work to easily monitor performance. Letting each country secure its own contractor can positively affect the implementation of the project," added Mwakyembe.
Ciza Virginie, minister for transport, public works and equipment of Burundi, said the two countries will share costs of the projects.
