The Minister for Works, Abdallah Ulega, has announced the formation of a three-member expert team tasked with investigating persistent operational issues at the MV TANGA ferry, which connects Pangani and Bweni in Tanga Region.
The team has been given seven days to report back on the situation, following growing complaints from local residents over unreliable ferry services.
Speaking during his visit to the region, Minister Ulega emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring reliable transportation infrastructure, especially for coastal communities.
“President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s government is working tirelessly to rehabilitate and acquire ferries across the country,” said Ulega.
“It is unacceptable for citizens to suffer while the infrastructure they rely on is either idle or poorly managed.”he added
The MV TANGA ferry has reportedly been out of operation for four consecutive days, causing serious inconvenience to residents. According to Ulega, the delay was due to the failure of local officials to secure spare parts in a timely manner.
“I am forming a team of three people one from Pangani and two to be appointed by the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry,” he said.
“They will tell me exactly what is going on. We cannot continue to allow a situation where the public is consistently inconvenienced.”he added
Ulega also issued a strong warning to those responsible for managing the ferry, stating that disciplinary measures would be taken if the investigation finds evidence of sabotage or negligence.
“If there are people playing games or intentionally delaying services, action will be taken. We are not going to tolerate sabotage,” he stated firmly.
In support of the initiative, Pangani MP and Minister for Water, Jumaa Aweso, urged swift intervention to resolve the ferry’s challenges.
“This ferry is a lifeline for Pangani residents,” Aweso said. “It’s vital that it functions smoothly, and I thank Minister Ulega for responding to our concerns.”
In a separate development during his tour, Minister Ulega also inspected the ongoing construction of the Pangani Bridge, a 525-meter-long project that is expected to significantly ease transport in the region. He expressed satisfaction with the progress and reaffirmed the government’s dedication to improving transport infrastructure.
“This bridge is not just concrete and steel it’s opportunity, mobility, and economic potential for the people of Pangani,” he noted.