New hope for L Victoria Islands as Kemondo Port creates jobs

THE recent renovations at Tanzania’s Kemondo Port, valued at over 20bn/-, have automatically brought unexpected benefits to local boat operators and island communities.

While the project did not originally include the construction of a boat dock, space for additional vessels was created after the ship berth was expanded. Last week the ‘Daily News’ pitched a camp at the port and in an interview, where boat operators expressed their excitement over this improvement, noting that the new dock space is expected to increase the number of operating vessels, thereby enhancing both passenger and cargo services to islands on Lake Victoria.

Here, Operators estimate that the new dock can now accommodate at least 10 vessels, up from the previous capacity of three. This expansion is especially significant for remote islands, such as Nyabeziga, Kinagi, Kabofu, Iroba, Iyumbo, Gozba and Maiga, which had previously faced limited transport options.

For instance, Andrew Joseph, a boat operator to Bumbile Island, expressed optimism, noting that the increased capacity will allow for more consistent and reliable transport services.

According to Port Security Officer David Nicodem, Kemondo Port’s expansion has also heightened security measures. Previously, theft at the port was a serious concern, with thieves arriving by boat and hiding in nearby bushes.

However, the installation of CCTV cameras, scanners and other security devices as part of the project has significantly improved surveillance, allowing security personnel to monitor activity around the port. Mr Nicodem highlighted the role of the additional boats in enhancing security, especially by deterring illegal fishing practices that could damage vessels.

On his part, James Onditi, the Kemondo Port Officer, noted that the expansion project has created over 100 jobs for local residents, a testament to the economic benefits the project is bringing to the community.

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Commenting, Project Engineer Mnanka Maginga from the Tanzania Ports Authority confirmed that the construction, which began in January last year, is now 98 per cent complete and ready to accommodate the much-anticipated MV Mwanza, a new vessel measuring 92.6 metres in length.

In quick analysis, the port’s increased berth depth and expanded passenger lounge doubling its capacity from 300 to 600 alongside a new cargo shed and car park, further reinforce its capabilities.

On the same breath, the Bukoba Port is also undergoing a major expansion as part of a similar initiative, expected to complete in February 2025.

Here, the 20bn/- project includes the construction of two modern boat docks, addressing longstanding issues for island transporters. However, the recent heavy rains, exacerbated by El Niño conditions, had previously caused severe disruptions when the old docks submerged, but operators are now hopeful for reliable, full-time services once the new docks are completed.

Shedding light, Bukoba Port Officer Maliki Ismail highlighted the expected increase in cargo and passenger volume upon completion, noting that the port has served 48,446 passengers and handled 5,955 tonnes of cargo in the current financial year’s first quarter alone, generating an income of 60m/-.

Last year, the port earned over 473.44m/- from transporting 177,287 passengers and 61,550 tonnes of cargo. Upon completion, these projects are anticipated to strengthen connections across Lake Victoria and increase trade with other East African nations.

These port projects at Kemondo and Bukoba promise lasting benefits to Tanzania’s lake-region economy and its communities, transforming the ports into modern infrastructures that will support both local and international trade, reliable transport and strengthened security.