MLVMCT project underway

THE government of Tanzania in collaboration with Ugandan government is proceeding with implementation of Multi-National Lake Victoria Maritime Communication and Transport Project (MLVMCT) at a cost of 59.23bn/-.

The Tanzanian government will contribute 19.97bn/- while the remaining amount will be covered by Uganda.

Briefing journalists in Dodoma on Thursday on Tanzania Shipping Agency Corporation (TASAC) implementation plans for 2023/2024 financial year, the Director General Kaimu Mkeyenge said that the project is being implemented by the government through the agency.

He said that the project aims at promoting investment in water transport activities as well as fishing by addressing transport challenges, enhancing the safety of water transport vessels as well as increasing economic opportunities for communities living along Lake Victoria.

“The contractor has already started the construction of sub-stations in Mara-Musoma, Kanyala and Nansio-Ukerewe and this project is expected to be completed by December 2024,” he said.

Mkeyenge said that in 2023/24, TASAC expects to strengthen the safety and security of water transport as well as controlling environmental pollution caused by marine vessels.

He added that in the next financial year, TASAC will ensure the improvement of management and responsibility in planning and using the agency’s resources as well as strengthening institutional relations and increasing stakeholders’ understanding of its responsibilities.

He noted that in order to improve laws and regulations to control water transport sector and shipping business, TASAC will coordinate the preparation of Regulations’ Draft and operational materials that provide guidance on the regulation of water transport services, safety and security for water transport and pollution at the sea.

Mkeyenge said that in 2023/2024 TASAC will also oversee the implementation of International Shipping Agreements coordinated by the International Maritime Organisation as well as involving stakeholders in reviewing and amending various Laws and Regulations, including the Tanzania Shipping Agency Law, Chapter 415.

He also said that TASAC has continued to strengthen the control of water transport services as well as ensuring that there is fair competition among service providers by implementing the continued formalisation of illegal ports in Mainland.

“We have conducted an inspection of thirteen (13) unofficial ports submitted by the Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA) for formalisation and in collaboration with the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA), TPA and the National Environment Management Council (NEMC) we have carried out a detailed assessment where ten (10) illegal terminals met the criteria and were recommended to the Ministry of Construction and Transport (Transport Sector) for formalisation in accordance with the law,” he said.