In addition, TRC operates the rail system that connects Tanzania with Uganda, Kenya, Burundi and Rwanda. Parts of the railway are in need of major repair and were impassable from January up to July 1998, when this report was compiled. TRC hopes to complete repairing the railway by October 1998. Tanzania's telecommunications infrastructure remains underdeveloped. Communication facilities are limited, and telephone service highly unpredictable, especially during the rainy seasons.
International service is inconsistent, and calls remain very expensive.
This exercise which is still underway as of June 1998, is expected to improve the telecommunications service in the country. In the medium term, an emergency program funded by the international donor community to augment Tanzania's thermal power generation capacity has been established. In addition, small hydroelectric power generating increases are expected to come on line as well. Over the long term, development of the Songo Songo Natural gas reserve and Mchuchuma coal fields will help alleviate Tanzania's heavy dependence on hydro-electric power generation.