By Joseph Muhozi, Mwanza

Construction of East Africa’s largest ever home-built fresh-water vessel MV Mwanza is progressing well and has reached 85 percent, TPJ has learnt.

This came to light on March 4, 2023, when Eric Hamis, Managing Director of Marine Services Company Limited (MSCL), the government’s eye on the project, briefed the press in Mwanza.

According to him, the TZS109billion project, which is implemented by Gas Entec Ship-Building Engineering Company Limited of South Korea in collaboration with the Kangnam Corporation, will soon bring about       top-quality marine services to East Africa when the 92.6-metres-long,       20-metres-high and 17-metres-wide passenger and cargo vessel starts to operate in Africa’s largest lake.

Eric Hamiss said: “Upon completion of the project, the ship will be inspected before being granted quality assurance certificate by Tanzania Shipping Agencies Corporation to allow it to be operational,” and that it would have capacity to carry 1,200 passengers, 400 tonnes of cargo, 20 small vehicles and three trucks. 

In addition, the ship will have a VVIP section for national leaders and regular VIP facilities, which includes first-class section with a capacity for 60 people, business class for 100 people and second class for 200 people. Also, economy class section which will carry 834 passengers, according to the MSCL boss.

TPJ has learnt that the Government is anxious to see the ship starting its services soonest and has directed the MSCL Board to keep a close eye on the project in order to bring it to conclusion as per the contract.

Furthermore, in order to enhance the ship’s operations, the Government has already disbursed 30billion shillings towards expansion and renovation of Kemondo and Bukoba ports in Kagera Region.

Meanwhile, the Mwanza Regional Commissioner, Adam Malima has hailed the project, saying given its capacity MV Mwanza  will complement well the expected operations on the SGR Mwanza – Isaka link and the Kigongo – Busisi Bridge, in boosting the economy in the lake zone as well as integrating the economies of East African Community countries.