Mwanza. Passenger numbers on Lake Victoria are set to double next year, driven by ambitious port expansion projects and the imminent launch of the MV Mwanza Hapa Kazi Tu, a high-capacity passenger and cargo ship.
The manager for Victoria Lake Ports, Mr Erasto Lugenge, said on Thursday that the upgrades, backed by the Tanzanian government’s investment of Sh60 billion, are expected to transform transportation within the Lake Zone.
Currently, Lake Victoria’s ports handle approximately 1.64 million passengers annually. However, with the new infrastructure in place, this figure is expected to exceed 3 million. Speaking to journalists at Mwanza North Port, Mr Lugenge detailed the government’s investment distribution: Sh18.6 billion is allocated to Mwanza North Port, with the remaining funds directed to Kemondo and Bukoba ports.
The upgrades are designed to support the MV Mwanza Hapa Kazi Tu, which will be the largest passenger vessel in East Africa upon completion. This 92-meter ship, still under construction, is designed to carry 1,200 passengers, 400 tonnes of cargo, 20 small vehicles, and three heavy goods vehicles. This is a substantial increase from the existing MV Victoria’s 600-passenger capacity.
Revenue from these Lake Zone ports is also expected to see a major boost. Currently, the Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA) collects Sh4 billion from Lake Zone operations, a figure anticipated to double to Sh8 billion after the upgrades.
The port upgrade project began in May of last year with an 18-month timeline, though it is currently 44 percent complete. Mr. Lugenge explained that while some delays occurred, they were necessary to meet the design requirements for the MV Mwanza Hapa Kazi Tu.
“The challenge was that we did not have enough space to continue port operations while undertaking construction work,” he said. “A lasting solution has now been found, and everything is progressing well.”
Another delay arose from a design change for the new ship. “Since the project’s main goal is to accommodate MV Mwanza Hapa Kazi Tu, we had to adjust the port design to align with the ship’s specifications,” Mr. Lugenge said, adding that the redesign slightly complicated the timeline.
TPA’s Public Relations Officer, Mr Enock Bwigane, expressed gratitude to the government for prioritizing investment in the Lake Zone. “We thank the government, under President Samia Suluhu Hassan, for the Sh60 billion investment in three Lake Victoria ports,” he said.
Beyond increasing revenue, the port upgrades will raise cargo handling capacity and streamline transport services for people in the Lake Zone. “Once the MV Mwanza Hapa Kazi Tu is complete, we expect to handle double the number of passengers and cargo. This will stimulate economic activities within Tanzania and enhance trade with neighboring countries,” Mr. Bwigane added.
The anticipated completion of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) in Tanzania is also expected to ease travel between the Lake Zone and other parts of the country, creating a seamless link for cargo and passenger movement.
By supporting more efficient transportation, the government hopes these developments will boost the economy and foster growth in the Lake Zone region and beyond.
The ongoing renovations are aimed at significantly enhancing port functionality by increasing the depth from 3.5 meters to 5 meters at Kemondo and Bukoba. Additional upgrades include expanding quay length from 75 meters to 92 meters, enhancing paving to support the concrete structure and installing perimeter fencing to bolster security.
