TPA dispels X post on Dar port go slow

On Sunday, information went viral on social media claiming that there is decline in the work of serving ships and cargo at the port of Dar es Salaam, which was apparently linked to a strike by workers having various demands, including the cancellation of their work contracts.

While no formal statement was issued by trade unions or port stakeholders on the situation, it became apparent that changes may have started being put in motion as the port concession deal is gradually being put to work.

Observers say there are chances of partial reorganisation in some parts of port operations, while the government cleared the air at the time of signing the agreement with DP World, a Dubai port operations firm, that no workers would lose their employment.

TPA acknowledged the prevalence of unconfirmed reports especially on social media on such disputes, insisting that the reports were false as none of its permanent or part-time employees were terminated for any reasons.

All employees continue to fulfil their duties fully in accordance with the schedules of their workplaces, it affirmed, insisting that the management was keen on its responsibility to fully manage the performance of all port operations.

It oversees port departments and units all around the clock to ensure that services are professionally provided, timely and highly efficient at all times.

“Port directors, heads of departments and units are available all the time in their workplaces and through telephone communication," the statement pursued, reaffirming the procedure to publish information on the conduct of ship servicing at the port.

This would provide customers and stakeholders with accurate information at all times, it said, reiterating current information on the number of ships being served at the port, ships outside waiting to enter and ships recently served and departed.

“No ships are served contrary to procedure,” it said, alluding to behaviour that has developed in recent days “from people who do not have good intentions to cause panic by spreading false information that tarnishes the good image of TPA in front of customers, stakeholders and the general public.”

TPA vowed to take legal action on those found to be involved in this distortion of TPA conduct and situation at the port, urging its customers and stakeholders to expect port services in Dar and other ports without handicaps as the port authorities are prepared to maintain quality services.

Port managers expect to quickly resolve challenges that arise in collaboration with stakeholders involved in the removal of cargo at the port, it added.