MWANZA – Tanzania has floated a locally built cargo and passenger ship in the Lake Victoria port of Mwanza.
The vessel, which the government said was the biggest in the Great Lakes region, is expected to improve transport between the East African countries sharing Lake Victoria – including Kenya and Uganda.
The ship has the capacity of carrying up to 1,200 people and 400 tonnes of cargo – including 20 vehicles. The passenger cabin is subdivided into an economy, business and a VIP section – all fitted with modern facilities such as restaurants, bar complete with Wifi.
It was built at a cost of Tsh109b (about $46.6m) – with 82 per cent complete.
Speaking at the event to land the ship ashore, Tanzania’s Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Works and Transport, Gabriel Migire said the building of the ship was an initiative to assist in the improvement of trade between the regions bordering the lake – sharing images of the vessel.
- Agencies
