By Happiness Tesha Mwandishi Mwananchi Thank you for reading businessdailyafrica.com Show plans Kigoma. Residents of Kigoma Municipality have called on the government to provide clarity and take decisive action on the long-delayed Katosho Dry Port project, a strategic investment intended to strengthen transport and trade between Tanzania and neighbouring countries, particularly the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Burundi. The project, located in Katosho area in Kigoma Ujiji Municipality, was launched in 2019 following agreements among Great Lakes region countries that rely on Lake Tanganyika for cargo transport. Its primary objective is to ease congestion at the ports of Dar es Salaam and Kigoma while improving the efficiency of cargo movement within and beyond Tanzania. Once operational, the dry port is expected to streamline cargo handling, storage and distribution services, reducing both transport time and costs for traders. Related National Residents of Tazara Maganga flats in Dar es Salaam demand fair access in communal land use Sep 07, 2024 – 3 min read OpEd NHC balances premium and affordable housing to meet Tanzania’s needs Feb 23 – 3 min read It is also seen as a key driver for enhancing trade flows across East and Central Africa, especially for countries that depend on Lake Tanganyika as a major transport corridor. In addition, the project is anticipated to stimulate economic growth in Kigoma and surrounding areas by creating employment opportunities and expanding commercial activities. However, nearly five years since its launch, progress has remained slow, raising concerns among residents about its future and overall management. Residents question fate of project Residents of Kibirizi Ward say they are increasingly frustrated by the lack of visible progress, despite being relocated from the area as early as 2015 to pave the way for construction. Instead of development, they claim the site has been turned into a parking area for trucks travelling to Rwanda. A Soweto resident, Mr Malik Bocho, said the public has not been informed about the reasons behind the delays. “We do not understand what is happening with this project. If it had been completed, many young people would have secured employment and improved their livelihoods,” he said. He said that unemployment among youth remains high, with many left idle and without direction. “We urge the government to revisit the original purpose of the project. It should not remain a mere parking yard for vehicles,” he said. Another resident, Mr Buchumi Ali, said the absence of official communication has fuelled speculation that the project may have been abandoned or relocated. “If the government is unable to continue with the project, it would be better to return the land to residents so they can develop it themselves,” he said, noting that some affected families are still struggling without permanent housing. One of the compensated residents, Mr Ruegwa Juma said the prolonged delay has deprived locals of potential income opportunities. He warned that the idle land has become unsafe, particularly at night, citing incidents of robbery and sexual violence. “The area has turned into a bush. There are frequent criminal incidents, including attacks on women and theft of phones and motorcycles,” he said. Mr Juma, who is involved in community policing, recounted rescuing women who had been surrounded by a group of youths after being robbed. Similarly, Butunga Street chairperson, Mr Hamisi Yasini, said residents were assessed for compensation in 2012 and began receiving payments in 2015 to vacate the area. He noted that insecurity has persisted around the project site, with between seven and eight reported cases from 2019 to 2025, including rape and child abuse. “We have reported some perpetrators to the police and courts, but incidents continue to occur,” he said. Mr Yasini urged the government to complete the project, noting that substantial public funds have already been in