Dar es Salaam. The minister for Works, Abdallah Ulega, has called on fishermen in the Kigamboni area to safeguard the environment and refrain from discarding fishing nets in ferry routes.
Speaking on Thursday, January 23 as he inspected and inaugurated two ferries owned by Azam Marine, Mr Ulega emphasised that maintaining clear waterways is crucial for ensuring the efficiency and safety of ferry operations.
The ferries, which will ply the Magogoni–Kigamboni route, are expected to significantly ease transportation challenges for Dar es Salaam residents, particularly those in Kigamboni.
“These ferries will reduce the waiting time for commuters from over an hour to just five minutes,” said Mr Ulega.
He added that each ferry has a capacity to carry between 200 and 250 passengers per trip, providing a faster and more reliable service.
Mr Ulega assured the public of the safety of the vessels, noting that they have been thoroughly inspected and certified for passenger transport.
He urged the Tanzania Electrical, Mechanical and Electronics Services Agency (TEMESA), the Tanzania Shipping Agencies Corporation (TASAC), and Azam Marine to collaborate in ensuring the continuous safety of ferry users.
The Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Infrastructure, Selemani Kakoso, commended the government for its continued cooperation with the private sector in improving public services.
He also encouraged Azam Marine to expand its investments to other areas, including Lake Victoria, to widen its service reach.
Temesa’s chief executive, Lazaro Kilahala, revealed that two state-owned ferries, Mv Kigamboni and Mv Magogoni, are currently undergoing major repairs.
In the interim, Mv Kazi is the only operational ferry serving the route.
The government’s partnership with Azam Marine, which includes deploying eight sea taxis, is part of a broader strategy to address transport challenges.
With this collaboration, services along the Magogoni–Kigamboni route, which serves approximately 70,000 passengers daily, are expected to see significant improvements in efficiency and reliability.
Azam Marine’s innovative approach marks a step forward in enhancing the quality of transportation in Dar es Salaam, offering a model for future private-public partnerships in the sector.
