MV Mwanza embarks on maiden 100 nautical miles Mwanza-Bukoba trip

MWANZA: THE over 120bn/- worth MV Mwanza has embarked on final Lake trial trip from Mwanza to Kemondo and Bukoba ports, in Kagera region.

That is the only long-trial trip, after several short ones within Mwanza, where its construction takes place.

The Tanzania Shipping Company Limited (Tashico) Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr Eric Hamiss, commented on the gratitude to the six-phase government that has been providing funds for the project, saying that:

The shipbuilding was at 40 percent at the time President Samia Suluhu Hassan got to power, with only 36bn/- being paid to the contractor (by then).

“It is now at 99 percent. The contractor owes nothing, and we expect him to handle the project soon after this trial,” said the CEO.

The ship’s captain, Mr Samson Ngw’ita, said that it is a 100 nautical mile journey from Mwanza to Bukoba, equal to 185.2 kilometres.

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The ship will be spending between six and seven hours en route to Bukoba, depending on the weather conditions on the lake, he said, adding that:

“All about this trial is to observe the machinery’s efficiency for long trips, provided that the ship will have both local and international routes.”