East African Business Week

DAR ES SALAAM, TANZANIA -  The Government has set aside US$9 million purchase a new 180-tonne ferry to transport thousands of people living along the Lake Nyasa shores.
The Deputy Minister for Transport, Dr Athumani Mfutakamba  said the vessel, with a carrying capacity for 320 passengers and 180 tonnes cargo, will link marine services with those of Malawi on the other side of shared Lake.
  The procurement will be a great relief to the thousands of people who wish to travel in the lake instead dug out canoes which make life risky to lives. To date, there are no reliable ships for the area. However, he said construction of the ship will commence in 2013 to be completed by 2015.
  Dr. Mfutakamba added, the government has resolved to purchase a new ferry because currently there is no reliable marine vessel serving people in the deepest lake in Africa.
  "We have already started the process to get funds for the procuring the new ferry and we expect funds will be available early next year (2012)," the Deputy Minister said.
  The Tanzania Government, with help of the Danish International Development Agency (DANIDA), has already conducted a feasibility study for the project which is set to benefit thousands of people in both Tanzania and Malawi.