COAST REGION: The government has pledged to address the challenges facing seafarers in the country. The pledge was made by the Deputy Minister for Transport, David Kihenzile, on June 25, 2024, during the World Seafarers’ Day celebrations in Bagamoyo.
During the celebrations, the minister noted that the government will work on improving the welfare of seafarers who are dedicated to navigating ships that transport human and cargo domestic as well as international water bodies for economic development .
“The challenges presented to me by seafarers include weak maritime administration systems, lack of maritime employment policies and regulations, oppressive maritime employment practices, poor working conditions for seafarers, and poor living conditions for seafarers, especially young people and women,” He noted.
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Additionally, he said that President Samia Suluhu Hassan has been at the forefront of improving the living conditions of Tanzanians, and hence, seafarers have pleaded to the right leader who will hear and work on their needs.
The Director General of the Tanzania Shipping Agencies Corporation (TASAC), Mohamed Salum, said that the day is used to reflect on the great contribution of seafarers pioneering water transportation in Tanzania and around the world.
Mr Salum said that some of the challenges faced by seafarers have been identified and have already begun to be addressed.
According to him, the challenges include issues of employment terms and contracts where TASAC is preparing cooperation agreements with 16 countries, which, if successful, will be a comfort to seafarers.
“The government is working to ensure that seafarers have safe and secure working conditions and a fair wage. This will not only benefit seafarers but also the Tanzanian economy as a whole,” He hinted.
