PLANS are underway to introduce speed boats on Unguja-Pemba route to ease the transport woes that haunt residents in the two islands, the House of Representatives was told here yesterday.
Deputy Minister for Works, Communication and Transport Nadir Abdullatif Yussuf informed the house that the revolutionary government is in talks with some prospective investors in the procurement of vessels with high speed.
He said currently only slow-moving vessels—Sealink I and II; Ikram and Sea Star I—that take between six and eight hours to ply between Unguja and Pemba are available to offer services.
The deputy minister was answering a question by Kikwajuni Representative Nassor Salim Ali who wanted to know the reason behind many hours taken to travel between the two islands. He further sought to know the government plan to address the problem.
The legislator decried the transport woes between Unguja and Pemba, saying in some days it takes up to seven hours to travel between the two islands.
The deputy minister assured that the ministry through Zanzibar Maritime Authority (ZMA) is effectively managing marine transport sector in the country to ensure safety for passengers, vessels and cargos.
He said ZMA subjects all vessels to routine inspections to ensure their water worthiness.
