Members of the business community in Zanzibar say inefficiency in cargo handling at the Zanzibar’s main seaport of Malindi, Stone Town has been frustrating their business and driving away international cargo ships.
“The working environment and operations at Malindi seaport is bad for importers, exporters, and freight operators. We call upon the government to take appropriate emergency measures,” members of the business community said.
Talking at the ‘Breakfast with importers, exporters, and Logistics’ meeting, organised by the Zanzibar National Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture (ZNCCIA), the traders said business growth needs efficiency at the port. Mr Rajab Mwinyihaji- Executive Director, Vega Star shipping services (Z) LTD said at the meeting that already some important international cargo ships have cancelled using Zanzibar sea port because of poor services.
“Cost of freight to Zanzibar is now very high yet there are no quick efforts being taken to address the challenges causing delays and congestion at the port,” said Mwinyihaji who spoke on behalf of the ‘Zanzibar Freight Forwarders Bureau (ZFB).’