Prime Minister Dr Mwigulu Nchemba has ordered the immediate dismissal and disciplinary action against officials of the Tanzania Electrical, Mechanical and Services Agency (TEMESA) implicated in the embezzlement of TZS2.5 billion, in a move aimed at safeguarding public funds and restoring reliable ferry services for citizens.
The Prime Minister issued the directive on December 24, 2025, during an inspection tour of ferry operations at Kigamboni in Dar es Salaam.
He said misuse of public funds and abuse of office had significantly contributed to the deterioration of ferry services, forcing the government to incur avoidable costs while commuters continue to face disruptions.
Dr Nchemba said the government would not tolerate unethical conduct in public institutions, noting that accountability and efficiency must be upheld to ensure citizens receive value for money.
He revealed that several ferries have failed to undergo essential maintenance due to outstanding debts estimated at about TZS800 million.
Financial reports, he added, indicate that some TEMESA officials were directly involved in the loss of TZS2.5 billion, money that should have been used to improve transport services.
The Prime Minister warned that continued financial mismanagement places an unnecessary burden on the government and undermines plans to modernise ferry transport, including the acquisition of new and more efficient vessels.
He said failure to take decisive action would see the government spend more resources maintaining ageing ferries instead of investing in new ones, a situation that would ultimately increase costs and inconvenience for the public.
Dr Nchemba stressed that firm measures were essential to restore discipline within TEMESA, protect national resources, and ensure ferry services are safe, reliable and responsive to the needs of citizens.