Africa-Press – Tanzania. THE new MV Victoria ‘Hapa Kazi Tu’ which went for regular repair and inspection last month, resumed services yesterday.
Kagera Regional Commissioner (RC), Major Gen Charles Mbuge said the New MV Victoria Hapa Kazi Tu was on regular maintenance for three weeks after operating for one year.
“The government is focusing on boosting businesses through marine transport, because it is cheap and reliable in comparison to other means of transport.
The revival of marine transport from Mwanza to Kagera region means a lot to the economy of the Lake Zone, whose other several activities hinge on the transport once revived,” he said.
Earlier, it was established that the New MV Victoria Hapa Kazi Tu was fixed with digital and automated navigation equipment similar to those used in today’s modern world marine transport.
In its repair commissioned to KTMI Company from South Korea, about 22,8bn/- was spent, where in 2018, the government through its marine firm, Marine Services Company Limited (MSCL), injected 152bn/- to revive three vessels and finance the construction of a slipway at Mwanza South Port in Mwanza region.
The project also involved the construction of another new ship in Lake Victoria at 89.7bn/- with a capacity to carry 1,200 passengers, 400 tonnes of cargo, 20 small vehicles and three trucks.
The vessel, which will be the largest in Great Lakes region, measures 92.6 metres in length, 17 metres width and 11.2 metres height. The construction of the 3,500 tonnes vessel is being undertaken by Gas Entec and Kangnam Corporation, all from South Korea and SUMA JKT.
Upon its completion, the ship will operate at a minimum speed of 14 nautical miles per hour and a maximum of 16 knots. The ship will ply between Mwanza-Bukoba, Mwanza-Musoma and Mwanza to some ports in Kenya and Uganda.
