Makonda Urges MPs to Support Arusha’s Economic Growth

Makonda Calls for Parliamentary Support to Boost Arusha's Economy

Arusha March 14, 2025

The Regional Commissioner of Arusha, Paul Makonda, has urged Members of Parliament to back various development initiatives aimed at accelerating the region’s economic growth.

Speaking today during a meeting with the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Land, Natural Resources, and Tourism, Makonda appealed for legislative support in advancing key infrastructure projects that are expected to transform Arusha into a critical economic hub.

Among the major development plans under discussion is President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s proposal to construct a Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) linking Tanga to Arusha. This railway will integrate with the government’s broader strategy of establishing a dry port in Arusha, which will connect directly to the Tanga Port. The project is expected to facilitate smoother trade routes for landlocked countries, including DR Congo, Burundi, Uganda, and Rwanda.

According to Makonda, Tanga Port is currently the second busiest in Tanzania, following significant government investments amounting to approximately TSh 500 billion. These investments have driven a sharp increase in cargo traffic, leading to a surge in the number of heavy trucks transporting goods through Arusha. The volume has risen from an estimated 60 trucks per day to an astounding 600 trucks daily, creating congestion on the region’s road networks.

The introduction of the SGR and the proposed dry port is anticipated to streamline logistics, enhance trade efficiency, and ease transport bottlenecks by offering an alternative and more efficient means of freight transportation.

Makonda emphasized that legislative backing for these projects is crucial, as they will play a pivotal role in positioning Arusha as a leading economic and trade corridor in the region.