The revenue from ferry toll collections is insufficient to cover operational costs, and the agency receives no government subsidy. Photo: Courtesy
Discrepancies in Ferry Service Reports Highlight Tensions Between Media and Government
Adonis Byemelwa
In a startling revelation, Mwananchi newspaper has unleashed a series of explosive investigative reports over the past two days, uncovering alarming challenges faced by ferry passengers traveling between Kigamboni and Dar es Salaam.
These bombshell findings expose potential safety risks and inefficiencies, drawing chilling parallels to past maritime disasters that claimed countless lives.
These reports have aimed to alert the government about potential safety risks, drawing parallels to past incidents where other marine vessels sank, leading to loss of lives. Despite the detailed findings by Mwananchi, a television station took a contrasting stance this morning, discrediting the newspaper’s reports.
The station aired footage showing passengers crossing without apparent issues, implicitly suggesting that Mwananchi’s claims were exaggerated.
One of the hosts commented, “Look at how people are crossing without any problems… contrary to what one newspaper report says, the situation is perfectly fine here… the government is working hard to ensure the safety of passengers.” The television broadcast, however, did not include direct interviews with passengers about their experiences.
Instead, it showcased numerous people boarding ferries and vehicles being loaded without issues, contradicting Mwananchi’s detailed accounts of service inadequacies. This move has sparked a debate about the role of media in holding authorities accountable and the potential biases that might influence reporting.
Salma Ally, a fish trader from Kigamboni, expressed frustration with the long waiting times for the Kigamboni-Magogoni ferry, often extending to an hour, contrary to the expected 20 to 30 minutes.
Asajile Michael, another regular commuter, recounted his decision to switch to the Mwalimu Julius Nyerere Bridge after experiencing a ferry malfunction while his car was onboard. These stories highlight the dissatisfaction among passengers, who face frequent delays and breakdowns. Mwananchi’s investigation revealed that the challenges in ferry services stem from the Technical and Electrical Services Agency (Temesa)’s limited capacity to operate the ferries efficiently.
The revenue from ferry toll collections is insufficient to cover operational costs, and the agency receives no government subsidy. According to a senior Temesa official, the agency operates independently, without subsidies, and must manage preventive maintenance, ferry repairs, operational costs, and the salaries of contract staff on its own.
The investigation also uncovered that 95% of Temesa’s nationwide ferry operations are funded by revenues from the Kigamboni-Magogoni ferries. This revenue shortfall means that funds for operating ferries in other regions like Pangani, Lindi, and Mtwara must be sourced from Kigamboni-Magogoni revenues.
Technical and Electrical Services Agency Lazaro Kilahala. Photo: File
Temesa’s CEO, Lazaro Kilahala, emphasized that the agency’s mandate is to serve the public, not to run a business. He explained that some ferries operate in areas with few passengers, leading to low revenue collections. Despite this, the government ensures these passengers are served.
The last fare increase for the ferries was in 2012, from Sh100 to Sh200, under the late John Magufuli when he was Minister of Works. Although operational costs have risen significantly, the fare remains unchanged, creating a financial strain on Temesa.
Documents obtained by Mwananchi showed that a proposal to increase ferry fares was submitted to the then Minister of Works and Transport, Prof. Makame Mbarawa, who did not approve it.
Political interests have also played a role in this impasse, with leaders fearing that fare hikes could antagonize their constituents.
The Controller and Auditor General (CAG) reported hidden costs related to ferry rentals, revealing that TEMESA pays Sh5 million daily to Azam Marine Ltd for the rental of Sea Tax 1 and Sea Tax 2 ferries.
This rental cost amounts to Sh1.8 billion annually, a third of the total annual revenue from all Kigamboni-Magogoni ferries, which stands at Sh5.76 billion. These costs, combined with insufficient revenue, leave Temesa struggling to meet operational needs.
For each passenger boarding Sea Tax 1, Temesa pays Sh300 to Azam Marine Ltd, even though it collects only Sh200 per passenger, using Sh100 from other sources to supplement the fare. Temesa Director Kilahala explained that renting these ferries was necessary to enhance service delivery, especially after the Mv Magogoni ferry went for maintenance.
The contrasting reports from Mwananchi and the television station underscore the challenges faced by Temesa in managing ferry services and the varying perspectives within the media on these issues.
While some media outlets focus on highlighting positive aspects and government efforts, others, like Mwananchi, emphasize the need for accountability and transparency in addressing public service challenges.
The ongoing debate raises questions about media responsibility and the importance of unbiased reporting in uncovering and addressing the realities faced by citizens.
Journalists play a crucial role in informing, warning, and correcting societal issues, and their work should reflect a commitment to truth and public welfare rather than appeasing those in power.
The issue of ferry safety is not new to Tanzania. The tragic incident of MV Nyerere in 2018 serves as a somber reminder of the potential dangers. The ferry, which capsized on Lake Victoria, resulted in the deaths of over 200 passengers.
Investigations revealed overloading and operational negligence as key factors. This disaster highlighted systemic issues within the country’s ferry services, including poor maintenance, lack of safety measures, and inadequate government oversight.
The MV Bukoba disaster in 1996, another tragic incident on Lake Victoria, claimed the lives of around 1,000 people, making it one of the deadliest maritime disasters in East African history. These incidents underline the urgent need for reforms in ferry operations to prevent future tragedies and ensure passenger safety.
