Deputy Minister for Works, Gerson Lwenge
He was responding to a question raised by the Lindi Urban
Legislator, Salum Barwany who wanted to know when the government would
construct a ferry in his constituency.
“Time has come for the government to construct a ferry because the population has increased,” the MP demanded.
MP Barwany argued that in 2010 President Jakaya Kikwete promised
Lindi residents that the government would build a new ferry but nothing
has been done so far.
Responding, Deputy Minister Lwenge said in 2013 the government
sent a team of experts in Lindi Region to make an assessment in the area
to see if it meets the requirements to build a new ferry but according
to him, the experts’ report pointed out that there was no need for the
government to build a ferry because there is no enough passengers and
cargo to merit the construction.
“This means that the operation costs would be too high,” he said.
“There is no need at the moment to construct a new ferry in the
area and we feel that a new engine boat will be enough to provide
reliable means of transport from one island to another,” the Deputy
Minister said.
He challenged the Lindi District Council to set aside funds from its budget to purchase the proposed new boat to serve the area.
In his supplementary question, the MP had argued that it was not
true that the area lacked enough passengers and cargos, saying in fact,
over 10,000 people are commute to the island but he failed to specify in
what period of time.
Nonetheless his concerns were shared by Fatuma Mikidadi (Special
Seats—CCM), who said the experts’ assessment was outdated and the true
picture is that the area has enough people and cargo to merit a new
ferry.
However Deputy Minister said his ministry is ready to send experts
for reassessment of the claims but did not specify whether he will do so
or when.
0 comments:
Post a Comment