Taxpayer Money Down the Drain: PM Demands Answers in Ferry Scandal
By Tuzo Mapunda, Mwananchi Communication Ltd
Dar es Salaam. Imagine a scenario where public funds meant to keep essential ferry services running smoothly are instead lining the pockets of a few individuals. This isn't a hypothetical situation; it's the alarming reality Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba is determined to expose. In a bold move, he's ordered a deep dive into allegations of deliberate ferry damage, suggesting a sinister scheme to justify exorbitant repair contracts. This comes hot on the heels of Works Minister Abdallah Ulega's suspension of top officials at the Technical and Electrical Agency (Temesa), including CEO Lazaro Kilahala, over a staggering Sh2.5 billion financial discrepancy.
But here's where it gets even more concerning: Mwananchi's own investigations in 2024 revealed a pattern of administrative neglect, leading to delayed ferry repairs and vessels languishing in Mombasa, Kenya, for years. Dr. Nchemba, during his recent visit to Magogoni, Dar es Salaam, didn't mince words. He instructed Ulega to investigate whether ferries were being sabotaged to create lucrative repair opportunities. He also demanded the immediate dismissal and prosecution of Temesa's leadership for their alleged role in the financial mismanagement.
"It's like they're dividing the ferries among themselves," Dr. Nchemba stated bluntly, highlighting the blatant disregard for public trust. He emphasized the urgency of the situation, warning that without swift action, the government risks spending more on repairs than it would cost to build new ferries. This echoes the controversial case of the MV Magogoni, whose repair bill in Kenya exceeded its original purchase price.
And this is the part most people miss: The PM stressed that previous investigations by government experts have already pointed to wrongdoing. He sees no need for further inquiries, demanding immediate action against the perpetrators. He also instructed Ulega to work with the Ministry of Finance to ensure timely fund disbursement for ferry maintenance, aiming to get services back on track.
Currently, only one of the government's three ferries – MV Kazi – is operational on the Kivukoni-Kigamboni route. MV Magogoni, undergoing repairs in Mombasa since 2023, is reportedly 70% complete, while MV Kigamboni is under maintenance in Kigamboni. The financial impact is stark: daily revenue has plummeted from Sh20 million to a mere Sh3.61-4 million.
Bakhresa Group, partnering with the government to operate additional ferries, has stepped in to fill the gap. Their fleet has grown from four to eight vessels, each carrying up to 200 passengers, and daily ridership has surged from 20,000 to 50,000-100,000. This highlights the critical need for reliable ferry services and the potential for growth if managed properly.
This scandal raises crucial questions: How deep does this corruption go? What systemic failures allowed this to happen? And most importantly, how can we ensure this never happens again? Dr. Nchemba's decisive action is a welcome step, but the road to restoring public trust and ensuring efficient ferry services will be long. What do you think? Is the government doing enough to address this issue? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
