By Charles Mkoka
President of the United Republic of Tanzania Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, has committed to disbursing Sh 3.6 billion to settle outstanding payments owed to contractors working on the construction of new ferries in Mwanza and Dar es Salaam regions.
This pledge was made on October 14, 2024, during her address to the public at the national celebration of the Mwenge wa Uhuru race, held at CCM Kirumba Stadium in Mwanza.
While discussing various strategic projects being implemented by the government in Mwanza, including water projects, road construction, the development of Mwanza Airport’s passenger terminal, and other major infrastructure projects such as the construction of the JPM Bridge linking Misungwi and Sengerema districts, President Samia assured that the government is committed to ensuring all these projects are completed on time. These projects aim to bring substantial benefits to citizens and foster national development.
"Regarding the ferry projects, when I arrived in Mwanza, I followed up on their progress and was informed that construction is significantly advanced. However, an additional Sh 3.6 billion is required for completion. I promise the people of Mwanza that I will secure the funds to ensure the ferries are completed and operational," President Samia said.
In the 2024/2025 fiscal year, the government, through the Tanzania Electrical, Mechanical, and Electronics Services Agency (Temesa), is overseeing the construction of five new ferries.
These ferries will serve various locations in Mwanza, including Ijinga and Kahangala in Magu District, Bwiro and Bukondo in Ukerewe District, Nyakaliro and Kome, Buyagu, and Mbalika in Sengerema District, as well as Kisorya in Bunda District, Mara Region, and Rugezi in Ukerewe District, Mwanza Region. On average, these projects are 85% complete.
Additional ferry projects are also underway in other regions. In Pwani, construction has started on a new ferry that will serve Mafia and Nyamisati, with 35% of the work already completed. The government is also set to deploy two smaller ferries (Sea Taxi Ferries) to Magogoni, Kigamboni, in Dar es Salaam to ease transport in the area.
These initiatives are part of the government's broader strategy to improve transportation infrastructure across Tanzania, enhancing connectivity and supporting economic growth.