A shocking investigation into ferry services in Tanzania has revealed alleged financial abuse and deliberate sabotage, leaving crucial transport links in disarray. This situation has prompted Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba to order a thorough probe, uncovering potential corruption and mismanagement within the Technical and Electrical Agency (Temesa).
Two weeks prior, Minister for Works Abdallah Ulega took action, suspending the Temesa Chief Executive Officer and other officials amidst accusations of financial misconduct. A financial report highlighted a staggering shortfall of Sh2.5 billion, alleged to have been misappropriated.
Further investigation by the Mwananchi newspaper into ferry services in 2024 exposed administrative negligence, contributing to repair delays and the prolonged stranding of vessels in Mombasa, Kenya, for the third year running. During his recent visit to Magogoni, Dar es Salaam, where ferry services operate, Dr. Nchemba issued directives to investigate potential deliberate damage to ferries, aiming to profit from repair contracts.
He also demanded the dismissal of Temesa's chief executive, Lazaro Kilahala, and the agency's management, referring them to law enforcement over the misappropriation exceeding Sh2.5 billion. "To operate a ferry, we need Sh800 million, which we lacked. Then those entrusted with responsibility misappropriated Sh2.5 billion. These are the issues undermining services,” the Prime Minister stated.
Dr. Nchemba emphasized the need for a comprehensive investigation, warning that intentional damage to ferries creates opportunities for illicit deals during repairs. He highlighted the risk of the government spending more on repairs than the cost of a new ferry, referencing the Sh7.5 billion repair cost of the MV Magogoni ferry in Kenya, compared to its purchase price of Sh8 billion. This raises a crucial question: Are public funds being misused to the detriment of essential services?
He further described the financial abuse as officials “dividing ferries among themselves” while pocketing passenger fares. Given that various government departments have already investigated the financial misconduct, Dr. Nchemba saw no need for further inquiry beyond ensuring accountability through dismissal and prosecution. He also instructed Mr. Ulega to coordinate with the Ministry of Finance to ensure timely disbursement of funds for ferry maintenance, facilitating the completion of repairs and the restoration of services.
The government operates three ferries—MV Kazi, MV Magogoni, and MV Kigamboni—serving the Kivukoni - Kigamboni route, but only MV Kazi is currently operational. The acting Temesa CEO, Moses Mabamba, reported that the MV Magogoni has been under repair in Mombasa since 2023, with repairs costing approximately Sh7.5 billion and are 70% complete, while MV Kigamboni is under maintenance.
Before the damage, the ferries collected around Sh20 million per day, but now collections range between Sh3.61 million and Sh4 million.
Meanwhile, the Communications Director of Bakhresa Group, Mr. Hussein Sufian, which partners with the government to operate additional ferries, noted that services began earlier this year after government vessels experienced breakdowns. Initially operating four ferries, the fleet now consists of eight, each carrying up to 200 passengers. Passenger numbers have surged from 20,000 daily to between 50,000 and 100,000, prompting plans to introduce additional ferries. Ferry crossings take between five and ten minutes, depending on sea conditions.
But here's where it gets controversial... Could these issues be more than just mismanagement? Is there a deeper level of corruption at play, deliberately damaging infrastructure for personal gain?
And this is the part most people miss... The impact of these actions extends beyond financial losses, disrupting essential transportation services and affecting countless citizens.
What are your thoughts? Do you believe the penalties are sufficient? Is there a need for greater oversight and transparency in government operations? Share your opinions in the comments below!
