By The Respondent Reporter
The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has advised TEMESA to speed up the management of the contractor handling the construction project for the new ferry between Mafia and Nyamisati, so that it can be completed swiftly, allowing the public to benefit from ferry services.
Speaking after receiving a report on the project, the Committee Chairperson, Naghenjwa Kaboyoka, stated, "The people of Mafia and Nyamisati need ferry services, and the Government is closely monitoring the progress to ensure that the project is completed on time."
"We are urging that this issue be closely watched to ensure that the construction of the new ferry between Mafia and Nyamisati is completed properly, so the community can benefit from the service they need. Therefore, we advise and strongly encourage you to intensify efforts to complete the project as soon as possible," she added.
The Acting Committee Chairperson, Japhet Hasunga, also called on the Government to ensure timely funding to facilitate the completion of the project.
He further emphasized, "TEMESA needs to be on-site every day to oversee the implementation of this project. You must be actively involved in its management. Form a team immediately that can help save this project. They should be present on-site and provide daily updates on the progress, including what has been done, what has been completed, and which equipment has arrived and been installed."
In his report on the new ferry construction, the Chief Executive Officer of the Tanzania Technical and Electrical Agency (TEMESA), Lazaro Kilahala, stated, "The new ferry being built will have the capacity to carry 120 tons, 300 passengers, and 10 small vehicles."
He also noted, "This new ferry will have greater capacity compared to the current MV Kilindoni ferry, which can carry only 200 passengers."
Kilahala further mentioned that the construction of the new ferry, which will serve between Mafia and Nyamisati, is expected to be completed by August this year.