TEMESA seek ‘pitched’ rehabilitation of vessels
Posted On: November 28, 2017
The call was made yesterday by TEMESA’s Board Chairman, Brig General (retired) Mabula Mashauri while addressing reporters here, adding that the Agency was working hard to make sure that all vessels, boats and government vehicles as well as other mechanical services are designed with high technology possible.
Speaking shortly after inspecting the construction progress of the new vessel which upon completion would ply between Kigongo-Busisi built by Songoro Marines Services, he said: “Our Board has just assumed the office and we are satisfied that the Agency is operating well so far.
However, as the world is also rapidly changing into higher technology and we would also like TEMESA to improve its services accordingly.” The vessel worth 9bn/- is expected to be fully operational by February next year with a capacity of 250 tones to carry 1, 000 passengers, 36 vehicles making it one of the biggest boats ever to be assembled in the country’s marine transportation historically.
In another development, he urged the government to allow its other agencies to generate their own capital to be able to meet their own financial obligations, including taking soft loans from the state owned-financial institutions particularly Tanzania Invest Bank (TIB).
He said the arrangement could save money and time currently being spent by the agencies in undertaking rehabilitation works of the government’s vehicles, plants and electronic services.
However, Brig General (retired) Mashauri said the government would initiate talks with banks on the issue of securities, which are required for them to qualify for the loans, and commended President John Magufuli for supporting the Agency.
Commenting on the ongoing building of the new vessel, TEMESA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mr Mussa Mgwatu said apart from the Kigongo-Busisi vessel, other boats’ rehabilitation projects are ongoing in Ukerewe Island, Dar es Salaam and Lindi Regions.
He said already two engines have been procured for the aged Mv Nyerere plying between Ukara and Bugorora in Ukerewe Island, adding that plans are underway for the purchase of a new facility in the near future.
On his side, Songoro Marine Services Director, Major Salehe Songoro said vessels’ construction in the country is facing a number of challenges in the industry including shortage of iron ore.
He said the vessels’ assembly normally requires special steels which is currently unavailable in the country, as well as other key raw materials like marine engines, and propellers to facilitate their manufacture.
“Lack of local availability of some raw materials is forcing us to spend nearly seventy per cent of the total project costs to import them like grade one iron and engines and sometimes delay our work, but in this particular work, we will strive hard to meet the set deadline,” he pointed out.
