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Posted on: Friday, September 04, 2009, 02:54PM
Posted by: Anonymous User

It is with great pleasure that I report to you regarding my experiences while attending the East African Community, U.S. Embassy in Tanzania, and the FTA/COMTO conference entitled "DEVELOPING SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS" in Arusha, Tanzania. Although, this is just my second visit to Africa, my first being to Northern, Africa, I will simply say that Africa has vast differences, vast human and natural resources, and once some of the political challenges are resolved (noting that many challenges have been resolved); Africa will again be a leader in the global market place.

During this conference I have witnessed some of the best and brightest minds in the Transportation community worldwide. The East African Transportation Community clearly understands the transportation issues that impact development and the relief of traffic and congestion for their communities. However, cultural, political, and other barriers slow that development process which is similar to experiences in the United States when a particular interest(s) can slowdown or stop a transportation project.

The East African Community attendees at the conference consisted of the following African nations Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda, Burndi, and Uganda. The common objective of this community is to develop a comprehensive regional network of highways, commercial rail, commuter rail, and local Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) or Light rail systems to effective move people and goods.

The enlightening topics included on the program were Relieving Urban Congestion in East Africa, Transportation for Vulnerable Populations and Road and Passenger Safety, Developing Regional Transport Corridors and Inter-modality of Seaports-Rail-Road, Partnership Opportunities and Impact on Development, and the Role of Technology Transfer Centers.

In conclusion, while in Tanzania, Africa I have re-connected and bonded with the "Motherland"; in this regard I am committed to directing businesses, investments, and encouraging every African-American that I'm in contact with to visit and get re-connected with our heritage and to NOT listen to the propaganda about Africa. My Friends...Please stay tuned!

Warmest Regards, 

Dwayne C. Sampson
Chapter President
COMTO - New York