Kikwete pledges to replace MV Bukoba

From The Citizen Daily, Dar es Salaam

By Ray Naluyaga, Bukoba

President Jakaya Kikwete has promised residents of Kagera region that his government will buy a new ship to replace MV Bukoba which capsized more than ten years ago.

He made the promise yesterday, shortly after arriving in the region to continue with his election campaigns. President Kikwete has been nominated by his party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) to defend his post after expiry of his first term.

Speaking at Bukoba Airport, President Kikwete said the new ship will be bigger and of high quality compared to MV Bukoba which killed about 800 people when it capsized in 1996 near Mwanza port.

He said after the accident, Kagera region has been facing problematic marine transport as there was no reliable mode of transport in Lake Victoria.

Currently, the Bukoba - Mwanza route in the lake is services by MV Victoria, which is also aging.

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