Dar es Salaam. The Embassy of Sweden in Tanzania, in close collaboration with Swedish transport company Scania, announced Tuesday the official launch of a ground-breaking Clean Transport Tour from Dar es Salaam to the capital of Dodoma.
Scheduled for October 2 and October 5, 2023, the initiative seeks to catalyse the transition to sustainable and eco-friendly transport systems in Tanzania while celebrating 60 years of impactful development cooperation between Sweden and Tanzania.
A statement released by the embassy on Tuesday quoted Ambassador of Sweden to Tanzania Charlotta-Ozaki Macias saying that Tanzania and Sweden have, in close partnership, worked in almost all sectors of society during the last 60 years.
“There are many results to be proud of, some lessons learned, and a bright future to look forward to,” Macias said. “These partnerships provide a solid platform for our relations in the coming years.”
Sweden has been advocating for environmentally friendly and sustainable transport solutions, and this tour aims to draw attention to the imperative need for a cleaner, greener transportation future in Tanzania.
At the heart of this endeavour is a gas-powered truck, utilising compressed natural gas (CNG) as an attractive and locally available fuel alternative.
Scania Managing Director, Mr Ali Dar, highlighted that the Scania gas truck conforms to the cleanest emission norm available, Euro 6 engine, operating on optionally Compressed Natural Gas or Biogas.
Scania is a world-leading provider of transport solutions, including trucks and buses for heavy transport applications, combined with an extensive product-related service offering.
Mr Dar said the Scania gas truck was officially launched in Tanzania in 2021, describing it as a well-proven technology that reduces exhaust emissions and noise levels.
“Globally, one out of eight deaths are caused by poor air quality, where emissions from transport are a large contributor,” he said.
“In Dar es Salaam, we have a growing population that has doubled in 15 years, and more of us need means of transport,” added Mr Dar. “By running the transport on CNG, we can use the cleanest drivelines with the lowest emissions, creating cleaner air.”
One of Tanzania’s largest imports is diesel. Experts believe that by running on local fuel, Tanzania can reduce foreign exchange and create local jobs and revenue streams.
In what experts interpreted as authorities’ appreciation of the shift to CNG, in June this year, the government encouraged drivers to switch from putting gasoline in their tanks to CNG.
What is stopping other countries is often the investment in infrastructure; however, in Tanzania, most of the investment is already made, with the gas pipe into Dar es Salaam and the mother station in Ubungo in place.
“The Embassy of Sweden and Scania are committed to fostering innovation and addressing global societal challenges,” the embassy said in a statement.
“Join us on the 2nd of October at 7:30 AM at the Scania Headquarters (Plot 8. Nyerere Road Julius K. Nyerere Road, Industrial Area) to officially launch the truck for take off.”
