The company Global Port Services Burundi (GPSB) which operates the port of Bujumbura is intensifying its interventions despite the rising water levels of Lake Tanganyika. In recent days, the modernizing port of Bujumbura has recorded a large influx of goods. GPSB services remain mobilized day and night to meet customer needs.
In recent days, the modernizing port of Bujumbura has recorded a large influx of goods.
The company that operates the port of Bujumbura, Global Port Services Burundi (GPSB), is intensifying its handling actions despite the rising water levels of Lake Tanganyika. Xavier Manirambona, head of the marketing department at GPSB, reports that this Saturday, March 16, 2024, the GLC4 boat docked around 8:00 a.m. with 3,000 tons of goods on board. Thus, 1700 tonnes of clinker from the BUCECO cement plant and 1300 tonnes of cement were unloaded. At the same time, port services announced the docking of six other boats in the unloading dock. And the head of the marketing department explains in detail. These are: MV ASIFIWE, MV REMERA and MV Emmanuella transporting 2,300 tonnes of cement; the MV Bonda 1 and 2 boats which have just unloaded 210 tonnes of salt and the MV Princes Mayasa which has just unloaded 160 tonnes of scrap metal (metal waste).
Last February, more than five boats docked at the same time. These are the MV Buyenzi with 550 tonnes of coal, the MV REMERA, the MV Ruremesha and the MV Buragane which carried 1,410 tonnes of cement. The MV Sagamba moored in the unloading dock with 1,290 tonnes of sugar. In addition, the MV Murinzi with 850 tonnes of goods transited via the large port of Bujumbura to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Along the same lines, the boats GLC4, MV Buragane, MV Ruremesha, MV Rwegura were unloaded.
Traffic have the port of Bujumbura
Central Bank data shows that the flow of goods is increasing sharply at the port of Bujumbura. The volume of trade passing through the port of Bujumbura increased from 210.8 tonnes in 2022 to 257.3 tonnes last year.
Since 2020, the country’s only lagoon access route has broken its traffic record.
Port services remain mobilized to serve users of the country’s main port. They work even after hours. However, GPSB encourages traders and transporters to expedite customs clearance of their goods, even if this means facilitating the movement of goods via the port. Shopping is free for one week for goods destined for Burundi while those in transit to other countries must not exceed two weeks, recalls Xavier Manirambona, head of marketing department at GPSB. Same story with the commercial director of GPSB who invites the customs services of the OBR and the declarants to speed up the goods declaration procedures.
Lake Tanganyika attacks port infrastructure
The company Global Port Services Burundi (GPSB) confirms the presence of the waters of Lake Tanganyika in the southern part of the port. The water particularly affected two of our warehouses (H6 and H5) and the OBR store. This is a tiny part compared to the total area of the port (500 m2). Janvier Nsengiyumva, commercial director of GPSB, wants to dispel rumors about goods or vehicles being swept away by the waves. There are no goods or vehicles damaged by the Lake Tanganyika floods. We are closely monitoring the rising water levels of Lake Tanganyika in order to protect our customers’ goods, he reassures.
October 2016
Mars 2024
Certainly the level of the lake is high, but the GPSB company continues its activities. “The scale installed at the unloading dock shows an abnormally high water level in Lake Tanganyika. The current level is usually reached in May. We will take the necessary measures even if it means continuing the handling work in the event of an increase in the level of the lake as announced by the experts.” Moreover, the company Global Port Services Burundi (GPSB) started work to protect the fence of the port of Bujumbura (southern part of the port) from this Saturday, March 16, 2024. “This work aims to cushion the pressure of waves from the Lake Tanganyika,” explains Janvier Nsengiyumva, sales director at GPSB.
Port modernization underway
Since 2020, the country’s only lagoon access route has broken its traffic record. The modernization and rehabilitation project will transform the port into a hub connecting the main road corridors in the North, Center and South of the country. This project will not only modernize port infrastructure, but also acquire equipment for port operations and the development of access roads. In short, the rehabilitation of the port will promote better regional connectivity and will strengthen trade between the countries bordering Lake Tanganyika. Burundi will reap the benefits in terms of reduced costs, capacity and security of goods compared to other modes of transport.
During a surprise visit to the port of Bujumbura, the President of the Republic His Excellency Evariste Ndayishimiye noted a remarkable delay in the work. The Head of State did not hide his dissatisfaction. The project execution rate was at 12% over the last six months. He recommended the involvement of all parties involved in the project and the establishment of a timeline of activities for the success of the project.
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