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Fuel transporters decry poor port services

Fuel transporters loading fuel at the Dar es Salaam Port in Tanzania have bemoaned the non-working conditions of fuel tanks at Malawi Cargo Centre Limited (MCCL), saying they delay the loading of fuel.

The drivers complained to members of the Parliamentary Committee on Natural Resources and Climate Change who were on a week-long study tour on natural resources management in Tanzania.

Chilenga: It is pathetic

They said they get the least treatment from their Tanzanian counterparts as they are always the last ones to load fuel at the port.

“We are glad that the MPs [membes of parliament] are here, may be they will hear our concerns and at least make MCCL reopen its fuel tanks for us to load our fuel from a Malawian entity than what is happening now. Preference is always given to the Tanzanians not us,” said Happy Kalumbe, a driver who comes from Kameza in Blantyre.

Apart from loading delays at the port, the drivers have also asked the MPs to have a discussion with their bosses to increase their allowance, saying they are given K70 000 [$95] while their counterparts from Tanzania receive $350 [about K256 000].

The committee’s chairperson’ Werani Chilenga, described the situation as pathetic and promised to talk to their bosses to look into their welfare.

He also said they will come up with recommendations to government on the importance of revamping MCCL fuel tanks to avoid such incidences.

MCCL managing director  Pascal Chikaonda said as a centre, they just help the drivers with parking space because they do not have anywhere to go.

Malawian Deputy High Commissioner to Tanzania Sai Kaphale said he was not aware about the grievances of the drivers and has learnt from the trip hence committing to find a lasting solution.

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