The Minister for Works, Transport and Communications, Prof Makame Mbarawa, revealed that after inspecting the Kipili anchorage along the shore of Lake Tanganyika in Nkasi District, Rukwa Region.

 

Expounding, Prof Mbarawa said that more than 5.6bn/- will be spent on rehabilitating MV Liemba which is sailing on Lake Tanganyika, serving both cargo and passengers, while over 25.5bn/- has been allocated for rehabilitation of MV Victoria and MV Serengeti which are sailing on Lake Victoria

 

"The allocated fund will also be spent for purchasing a new ship that will be sailing on Lake Victoria, while the government is still contemplating on the possibility of purchasing a new ship for Lake Tanganyika," added the minister.

 

According to the minister, the rehabilitation of all the ships on Lake Tanganyika and Lake Victoria will be accomplished between June and July, next year, since the processes of floating tenders is at final stages.

 

Meanwhile, Prof Mbarawa said that the government has set aside over 278m/- for rehabilitation of a section of the road connecting Kipili small harbour to access passengers and transporters to the port. On his welcoming note, Acting Kipili Port Director, Engineer Hamis Juma, mentioned myriads of challenges facing the port, including lack of electricity

Source : allafrica.com