Africa-Press – Tanzania. THE rehabilitation of MV Liemba, the world’s oldest passenger ship, has reached 32 per cent completion.
Speaking shortly after a visit to the MV Liemba rehabilitation site in Kigoma on Thursday, Tanzania Shipping Company Limited (TASHICO)’s Managing Director Eric Hamissi said that the progress of the rehabilitation of the historic ferry is going on well.
I’m here to assess the rehabilitation progress of MV Liemba, which is now 32 per cent complete,” he said. “Major works include hull and machinery repairs, as well as modifications and conversions aimed at preserving the ship’s historical significance while ensuring its continued operation on Lake Tanganyika,” he said.
The TASHICO MD further said that MV Liemba plays a vital lifeline for local residents, connecting remote communities and facilitating trade along the Lake Tanganyika’s shores, adding that its rehabilitation will benefit the local economy and improve transportation services.
“Once completed, the MV Liemba will boast a modern look while retaining its historic charm, continuing to serve as a symbol of resilience and endurance on Lake Tanganyika,” he added.
The MV Liemba, which holds an immense historical value as a German-built vessel from the WWI era and considered the last active German Imperial Navy ship, in the world is rehabilitated at a cost of 33bn/-.
The Croatian firm M/S Brodosplit JSC, in collaboration with the Dar es Salaam Merchant Group (DMG), has been contracted to carry out the repairs.
However, citizens along Lake Tanganyika, particularly in Kigoma, are thrilled about the rehabilitation of the historic MV Liemba, saying the rehabilitation will significantly reduce water transport challenges on Lake Tanganyika, stimulating economic growth for communities living along the lake’s shores.
“We are excited about the rehabilitation project’s potential which is set to improve transportation services and boost our economy,” Mr Juma Ramadhani, a resident of Kigoma.
Another Kigoma resident, Ms Joyce Charles, expressed appreciation for the government’s efforts to rehabilitate the historic ship.
She noted that once completed, MV Liemba will serve as a vital mode of transport for communities around Lake Tanganyika, providing an essential link to supplies and markets.
The MV Liemba can carry a total of 200 tonnes of cargo and up to 600 passengers. This historic ship, built in 1913 and launched on Lake Tanganyika in 1915, has been in operation for over a century, serving as a vital transportation link between Tanzania and Zambia.
With its rehabilitation, the MV Liemba continues to play a significant role in the region’s economy and society.
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