The idea of installing aerial tramways to take visitors to the top of Africa’s highest peak is still a concept, so far. Nothing close to reality.
At least that is according to the statement from the Tanzania National Parks, the custodians of Mount Kilimanjaro, the continent’s highest summit located in Moshi.
In that resepect, the Tanzania National Parks also denies to have inked any contract (with any party), towards the speculated ‘Sky Trams’ project. (Note in the official TANAPA statement, they are mentioned as ‘Cable Cars!’)
According to the dispatch, of late there have been various reports and speculations regarding the alleged installation of sky trams to provide new type of service in taking people on top of Mount Kilimanjaro, but until now, there has been nothing substantial towards that end.
“First, until now the perception about Aerial Tramways is something that is being mulled upon; the idea still on conceptual stage, nothing to be realized soon. Secondly feasibility analysis, regading the possibility of installing the aerial tramways, is still on primary stages and this includes Environment Assessment Impact studies to identify any adverse ecological effects that may result from the project.”
Paschal Shelutete – Assistant Commissioner of Conservation (Communications) TANAPA
According to the statement from Tanzania National Parks, the whole process involves various stakeholders, among them the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), which is the specialised agency of the United Nations overseeing the World Heritage Sites.
Mount Kilimanjaro is one of the Seven UNESCO Heritage sites mapped in Tanzania.
Others are the National Environment Management Commission (NEMC) as well as TANAPA itself.
Until now it seems none of the mentioned organizations have nodded to the aerial tramways on Mount Kilimanjaro.
Plus majority of local tour operators, travel guides, mountain porters’ associations and environmentalists are vehemently oppossing the sky trams idea.
Previously, the Prime Minister, Kassim Majaliwa during his Moshi address, warned that the aerial tramways is one project which shouldn’t executed in a hurry.
The Premier took into consideration possible environmental damage to the ‘Roof of Africa,’ as well as the fact that many youth, who work as guides and porters escorting trekkers on the mountain stand to lose their jobs.
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