By Adonis Byemelwa
Dodoma--Kisesa MP Luhaga Mpina has today 7th November 2024, stirred the political scene by questioning the transparency of a major investment deal between the Tanzanian government and Dubai-based DP World regarding the Dar es Salaam Port.
Mpina has voiced concern over why the contract, involving significant foreign investment, was not tabled in Parliament for full disclosure and debate, urging government accountability. This comes just as Tanzania's political landscape heats up ahead of the 2025 General Elections, sparking discussions on potential rifts within the ruling party.
Speaking in Parliament during deliberations on the 2025/2026 National Development Plan, Mpina questioned the rationale behind the allocation of Tanzanian resources without due transparency. Citing the country’s Natural Resources Act, which mandates parliamentary oversight on contracts of this magnitude, Mpina demanded answers on how a Sh 687 billion ($275 million) investment deal with a revenue-sharing split of 40 percent for Tanzania and 60 percent for DP World was negotiated.
“Who agreed to this investment of billions? Who decided we should be left with a 40 percent share while DP World takes 60 percent? Was this done in the best interest of Tanzanians?” Mpina pressed in Parliament. His remarks have drawn both criticism and support, with many rallying behind his demand for transparency.
However, the takeover of Dar es Salaam’s container terminal by Gulf-based DP World has transformed port operations, slashing ship waiting times dramatically. What once averaged 46 days in May has been reduced to just seven days, with container ships now experiencing zero waiting time.
Delays for bulk carriers and general cargo vessels have also seen substantial reductions, reflecting a sweeping improvement in port efficiency and turnaround under DP World’s management.
Highlighting these improvements recently, Planning and Investment State Minister Prof. Kitila Mkumbo applauded the advancements during a recent parliamentary session. He credited new high-tech equipment, such as sea-to-shore gantry cranes (SSGs) and rubber-tired gantry cranes (RTGs), with expediting cargo handling processes.
This investment has led to a substantial reduction in turnaround time for container ships, halving from seven days to three, while the number of ships waiting at anchor has dropped from 35 in September 2023 to 15 a year later.
According to the agreement with the Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA), DP World committed to investing $250 million (675 billion Sh) over five years. Within the first five months alone, the company has invested 214.425 billion Sh, amounting to 31 percent of the total promised amount.
These initial funds have been directed toward upgrading equipment and advancing IT systems for better port management. DP World Dar es Salaam, the local entity created by the Dubai-based company, officially began operations on April 15.
Former Muleba South MP and ex-Minister for Lands and Human Settlements, Professor Anna Tibaijuka (pictured) echoed Mpina’s concerns. In a recent interview with Clouds FM, she criticized the secrecy surrounding the contract, stating that deals benefiting the public should be open to scrutiny.
“If a contract is kept secret, it’s usually a red flag,” Tibaijuka commented. “The public has every right to know the terms of agreements that impact their resources.” She pointed to DP World’s 2006 contract with the United States, which was eventually overturned by a vote in the U.S. Senate, as an example of transparency and parliamentary power.
This isn’t the first time Mpina has found himself in opposition to his government. In 2022, he sparred with Agriculture Minister Hussein Bashe over a controversial sugar importation scandal, alleging that the sugar shortage was worsened by improper policies within the ministry. Mpina’s criticism of his own party’s leadership has fueled speculation that he might face internal pushback, especially as the ruling party looks to maintain unity and appeal ahead of the 2025 elections.
With the election fast approaching, Mpina’s actions reflect a deeper struggle within the ruling party over government accountability and the handling of national resources. Political analysts suggest that such intra-party challenges could play into the hands of opposition parties.
“When leaders from the ruling party criticize their government, it raises questions about unity and the interests being served,” one analyst commented. "Opposition parties will likely use this to challenge the government’s handling of national assets and transparency.”
Mpina’s vocal opposition and demand for clarity on the DP World contract have struck a chord with the public, who are growing wary of investment deals shrouded in secrecy. “This is our port, and Tanzanians deserve a clear picture of how this deal was structured and who benefits,” stated a concerned citizen during a radio call-in show.
Moreover, Tibaijuka cautioned against rushing such sensitive contracts without due diligence, expressing disappointment with the rapid handling of the deal. "This is a very sensitive issue; it should not be fast-tracked," she said. “For a contract with this magnitude of public impact, why is there such urgency? Transparency is key in preserving trust between the government and the people.”
Mpina’s actions illustrate the balancing act he faces, as he continues pushing for government accountability while potentially alienating senior members within his own party. As he challenges key government policies, Mpina walks a political tightrope: attempting to position himself as a defender of Tanzanian interests while maintaining party allegiance in a climate where dissent is rarely welcome.
Looking ahead to 2025, Mpina’s stance may either position him as a public hero advocating for transparency or as a divisive figure within the ruling party. His criticism underscores the need for public discourse on national resource contracts, especially those affecting assets as critical as ports. For now, his message resonates strongly with citizens increasingly vocal about transparency and national interests, setting the stage for a potentially contentious election season.