Govt approves 600bn/- for Lake Tanganyika cargo ship

RUKWA: THE government has approved over 600bn/- for the construction of a 3,500-tonnes cargo ship on Lake Tanganyika, aimed at boosting regional trade and transport infrastructure.

Deputy Minister for Transport, Mr David Kihenzile unveiled this development during a recent tour at Kasanga Port in Kalambo District during his one-day working tour of Rukwa Region.

“The construction of the 3,500 tonnes cargo ship will be the largest vessel ever to ply on Lake Tanganyika,” he added.

Similarly, over 300bn/- of the 600bn/- package will be allocated for the construction of a modern shipbuilding facility in Kigoma, equipped with state-of-the-art technology.

Mr Kihenzile stated that the contract for the project has already been signed and work is expected to begin soon. He further said that the construction of the shipyard is unique in East and Central African region.

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“The shipyard will have the capacity to handle two ships, each with a capacity of 5,000 tonnes,” he added.

Equally, he added that the iconic MV Liemba, MV Mwongozo and MT Sangara (which carries petroleum products) currently operating on Lake Tanganyika are undergoing repairs.

MV Mwongozo, established in 1982 with a capacity of 800 passengers and 80 tons of cargo, is at the procurement stage for repairs.

“MT Sangara, with a capacity of 410,000 liters of fuel, has completed repairs and is awaiting the second phase of trials,” he added.

MV Liemba, a century-old relic from World War I and originally a symbol of colonial power, remains an essential lifeline for communities along the shores of Lake Tanganyika.

Mr Kihenzile emphasized that the government’s investment in repairing these three ships is driven by their durability, helping save costs compared to building new vessels.