August 1st, 2024, will forever be etched in the annals of Tanzania’s history as a defining moment. It marks the culmination of a vision that spans political, economic, and international dimensions, brought to fruition under the decisive leadership of President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan.
The inauguration of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) is not merely the completion of a multi-billion-shilling project but a testament to the unwavering determination and pragmatic approach of a leader dedicated to her country’s progress.
For historians, Samia’s presidency signals the dawn of a new era for Tanzania. It highlights that while the collective efforts of its people shape the nation’s destiny, the resolute leadership propels us toward national prominence. In the 1970s, Tanzania embarked on the TAZARA railway project with an interest-free loan of about 166 million US dollars from the Chinese government. This endeavour defined the first era of our railway system.
President Samia’s government has seamlessly aligned with our national destiny, embodying a continuity of governance. Former President J.K. Kikwete rightly acknowledges that the groundwork for the SGR began during the tenure of the late President Mkapa and was carried forward by the late President Magufuli. This continuity underscores that monumental achievements are often the result of successive efforts and collaboration.
As a proud Tanzanian, I had the privilege of experiencing the SGR firsthand. I was filled with awe when I boarded the train one June morning with ticket number 58 and carriage number 8. The SGR represents the pinnacle of public transport in our nation.
Read related: Seke Sleepers Plant: How the SGR Lot 5 Project is a Testament to Tanzania’s Local Growth
Despite minor inconveniences like the food restrictions, which prevented me from bringing my trays of chicken eggs onboard, the experience was transformative. This article is not about those eggs but about how travel integrates into our daily lives and the broader economy, reflecting President Samia’s visionary leadership.
With the SGR poised to serve over 3,000 passengers daily, it is set to generate significant economic momentum, provided our management continues to invest wisely.
The United States and Japan serve as historical precedents, where investments in railway systems spurred economic booms and industrial powerhouses. Japan’s Shinkansen, inspired by the nature and engineering genius of Eiji Nakatsu, stands as a testament to the transformative power of high-speed rail.
A Call to Global Investors:
Tanzania is not a country of watch what we do, but an economy that calls investors in the most stable political economy in East Africa.
We invite visionary investors from across the globe with expertise in managing high-speed railway systems, such as Turkey, Japan, China, the Emirates, and Saudi Arabia, to join us in this transformative journey. Tanzania’s commitment to developing state-of-the-art infrastructure presents unparalleled opportunities for collaboration.
Investing in our high-speed rail system is a business decision and a chance to contribute to a legacy that will drive economic growth and regional integration. Together, we can shape the future of transportation in East Africa and beyond.
President Samia’s completion of the SGR is a landmark achievement that cements her legacy as a leader attuned to the nation’s destiny. As I journeyed on the high-speed train, I reflected on my country’s progress. Steve Jobs’ poignant words from 2010 resonate deeply, reminding us of our interdependence and the collective contributions that shape our lives:
“I grow little of the food I eat, and the little I grow, I do not breed or perfect the seeds. I do not make any of my clothing. I speak a language I did not invent or refine. I did not discover the mathematics I use, freedoms and laws protect me I did not conceive of, legislate, and do not enforce or adjudicate. I am moved by music, which I did not create myself.”
When I needed medical attention, I was helpless to help myself survive. I did not invent the transistor, the microprocessor, object-oriented programming, or most of the technology I work with. I love and admire my species, living and dead, and I depend on them for my life and well-being.”
Sitting in seat number 58, I pondered the sustainability of our government’s achievements. The SGR is a monumental asset, but its true value lies in our ability to maintain and nurture it for future generations. The challenge extends beyond the tangible infrastructure to the very ethos of our society. Can we uphold the standards set by this project? Can we ensure its longevity and maximize its benefits?
Also, read Phase II of Tanzania-Burundi-DR Congo SGR Project Gets Green Light with $696.41 Million Funding
As I gazed out the window, witnessing the marvel of engineering I did not create, I asked myself: Can I keep it? This question echoes through every facet of our nation’s development. From the cleanliness of train facilities to the broader implications for our transportation sector, education system, and economy, it is a call to action for every Tanzanian.
Under the steadfast guidance of Presidents Magufuli and Samia, we have embarked on a new era of transportation. The SGR is more than a train; it symbolises our collective effort, resilience, and hope for a brighter future. Let us honour this achievement by committing to its preservation and continued progress, ensuring it remains a pride for future generations.
The government has so far injected 8.4 trillion Tanzania shillings; it is riding the rails of destiny, a project that redefines the progress of a new Tanzanian era on railway tracks. It is part of President Samia’s 4R vision, where one R is rebuilding.
This journey of transformation and strategic investment requires a change of mindset as a person, as a society, and as the public for the sake of this great land under the SSH. Rarely has a single infrastructure project been accepted by the public, and at the same time, it makes some businesses afraid of competition. The value of competition is that the public sector yields efficiency and creates new trade zones and economic expansion.
In all aspects, the SGR is at the epicentre of our economic life, the government’s political experience and one of the most significant projects in the modern era in our nation’s history. President Samia has written our chapter as the figure in chief of the destiny of our country.
In this destiny presidency, we must support and protect the nation’s vital projects, including our new SGR track and train.
