MWANZA: THE Minister for Culture, Arts, and Sports, Mr Paul Makonda, has stated that two of the five completed ferries in the Mwanza region must begin operations immediately to benefit the public.
Makonda issued these directives on behalf of the President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, and was received by the Mwanza Regional Commissioner, CP Salum Hamduni.
Makonda noted that the government has invested approximately 28.7 bn/- in the construction of these ferries, aiming to improve water transport, boost trade, and facilitate easier access to essential services for citizens.
“The President has already released the funds, and the people need the ferries. It makes no sense for the ferries to remain here awaiting an official launch while citizens continue to cross using canoes, putting their lives at risk,” Mr Makonda said.
He said that the ferries would assist residents of island areas including Ukerewe, Sengerema, Magu, and Misungwi in transporting produce and accessing various services more safely.
Mr Makonda emphasized that development projects must benefit the public in a timely manner, in line with the objectives of the Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) Election Manifesto for 2025–2030.
He also urged leaders to ensure the completed ferries are put into use without delay, noting that procrastination could lead to deterioration and increased maintenance costs. Furthermore, he said that there is a need to explore the possibility of using electric-powered ferries to reduce operating costs, particularly in areas with low population density.
Regarding roads, Mr Makonda said efforts are underway to secure funding for the construction of the road connecting Kisesa to the airport so that the contractor can begin work.
According to Songoro Marine Project Coordinator Isakwisa Samweli, the ferries are being built for the Kisorya–Rugezi, Ijinga–Kahangala, Bwiro–Bukondo, Nyakaliro–Kome, and Buyagu–Mbalika routes.
Mr Samweli said that the projects are being executed by Songoro Marine under the supervision of the Tanzania Electrical, Mechanical and Electronics Services Agency (TEMESA), Mwanza Region.
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He noted that the contracts for the construction of the ferries were signed between 2021 and 2023, with the completion of all projects expected by December 30, 2026.
He explained that a total of 21.75bn/- has been paid out of the 28.7bn/- total value of the five contracts. Samuel stated that the construction of these ferries has generated 234 temporary jobs, with the Kisorya–Rugezi route providing 53 jobs, Ijinga–Kahangala 50, Bwiro–Bukondo 54, Nyakaliro–Kome 55, and Buyagu–Mbalika 22.
He noted that the ferries are expected to facilitate the transport of passengers and cargo, alleviate transport challenges, boost trade, and unlock economic opportunities for residents in the respective areas.
Meanwhile, Mwanza Regional Commissioner Salum Hamduni stated that the completion of these ferries would help increase revenue and boost the region’s economy.