MWE Correspondent
President Samia Suluhu Hassan on Monday reaffirmed the Tanzanian government’s commitment to strengthening emergency response and rescue infrastructure across the country’s inland waterways.
Her remarks came as the government launched a newly built search-and-rescue boat on Lake Victoria, the largest lake in Africa.
President Samia, addressing the public through her official social media channels, called the milestone a fulfillment of the ruling party’s pledge to protect lives and livelihoods tied to the lake’s ecosystem.
“It is a great relief to witness the deployment of the Search and Rescue Boat into Lake Victoria in Mwanza. This is part of our implementation of the CCM 2020–2025 Manifesto, aimed at enhancing the safety of all who rely on this vital lake for their livelihoods and transport,” she stated.
Lake Victoria supports the lives of over 40 million people in Tanzania, Uganda, and Kenya. For Tanzanians living near Mwanza and nearby regions, it is more than just a body of water—it is a hub for fishing, trade, and daily transport. But the lake has also witnessed tragic accidents, including boat capsizings and aviation crashes—incidents that often highlighted the lack of rapid response services.
The arrival of this rescue vessel, reportedly transported from Mtwara through nine Tanzanian regions, reflects the government’s renewed determination to save lives during marine emergencies.
The boat will operate under the coordination of the Tanzania Shipping Agencies Corporation (TASAC), with support from local disaster response units and the Tanzania Meteorological Authority (TMA).
According to government sources, the boat is equipped with radar, navigation, and medical equipment, and will be stationed at a permanent marine emergency post in Mwanza. Its deployment marks the first phase of a larger government initiative to establish search-and-rescue centers in other high-risk regions around the lake, including Ukerewe, Geita, and Musoma.
The transport ministry first announced this strategy in 2023, highlighting that the system would be integrated into broader disaster preparedness under the national Fifth Development Plan (FYDP III), which emphasizes infrastructure and human safety.
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President Samia has consistently spoken about improving blue economy infrastructure, and the new boat is part of a suite of maritime reforms. Alongside the vessel’s launch, her government has also:
- Initiated the construction of new fishing ports in Kilwa Masoko and Bagamoyo
- Distributed powered fishing boats and safety gear to small-scale fishermen
- Launched the BBT Life Program to train over 200 youth in aquaculture, marine navigation, and rescue operations
Earlier this year, following a boat accident in Ukerewe District, marine safety activists called for quicker government intervention. The newly launched rescue boat seems to be an answer to that call.
Tanzania’s inland waters have long needed attention, and this development may mark a turning point. With climate unpredictability increasing the risk of storms and water-related disasters, robust emergency systems will be essential.
As President Samia put it: “We are delivering on the promise to protect lives. No Tanzanian should fear crossing our lakes for work or travel.”
The vessel’s successful launch is not just a logistical achievement—it is a symbol of renewed government accountability in public safety, climate resilience, and blue economy investment.
