By. Fadhili Abdallah, Kigoma
While countries in the East and Central African region are implementing various strategies to boost their economies through various sectors, especially agriculture, fisheries and trade, it has been stated that Lake Tanganyika is the only link that connects the efforts of these countries to the Indian Ocean ports towards developed countries through transport and shipping from Kigoma to the world.
Speaking to the media today, the Kigoma Regional Commissioner Ambassador Simon Sirro has said that investments in maritime transport and shipping on Lake Tanganyika have been strengthened with the aim of boosting economic activities and trade in Kigoma Region and the great Lakes region.
Ambassador Sirro made the remarks during a press conference held to announce the upcoming national celebrations of World Seafarers Day, scheduled to take place from June 22 to 25 this year.
Hon. Sirro emphasized that the event will be attended by the Minister of Transport from the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar and the Minister of Transport from the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania.
He insisted that the government has made substantial investments in maritime transport in Kigoma Region, these include major rehabilitation of the MT Sangara oil tanker, extensive upgrades to the MV Liemba passenger vessel, the construction of a large modern shipyard for vessel building and repair, plans to build two new cargo and passenger ships, and significant improvements to ports along Lake Tanganyika, including the oldest Port of Kigoma.
Earlier, the Acting Manager for Training and Certification at the Tanzania Shipping Agencies Corporation, Engineer Lameck Sondo, told journalists in Kigoma that the celebrations provide an opportunity to reflect on performance and recognize the contribution of seafarers to the maritime transportation of cargo and passengers, and their role in stimulating the country’s economy.
Engineer Sondo said that maritime transport operations are governed by international policies and laws that all stakeholders are required to observe.
He noted that the annual celebrations offer a chance to assess achievements and challenges, and to make improvements that will ensure maritime activities remain safe and continue to contribute to national development.
