KIGAMBONI residents have called upon the government to look for an alternative ferry to reduce congestion in the currently operating MV Kazi.

They raised their concerns following suspension of MV Kigamboni services yesterday as the suspended ferry is being placed in maintenance until December, on the basis of a briefing by the Tanzania Electrical, Mechanical and Electronics Service Agency (TEMESA).

A check at the ferry yesterday met some Kigamboni residents using the services complaining over the safety of ferries and the time they spend waiting for a single working ferry to ply from one side to the other.

John Mwendapole said that the government should look for a private operator to complement the ferry services to facilitate smooth transportation services.

TEMESA needs to make regular maintenance of the ferries to avoid inconveniences as relying on just one ferry to offer services is not advisable in safety precautions.

“The government takes too long to repair the ferries. It is an indispensable public utility hence the need to ensure it operates accordingly,” he said.

Hawa Rajabu (56), also a resident there, said that the two ferries seem to be old and largely unfit to provide services. 

“If the government has failed, it is better to get an investor to run the service.  The government could oversee safety while obtaining taxes,” he urged, pointing out that Kigamboni area has had far more people in recent years.

Said Hassan, a regular passenger, complained over the time spent to cross from Kigamboni to the Ferry fish market at Magogoni, saying it eats into daily schedules of work.

“I have lived in Kigamboni for 12 years; we have often experienced such transport challenges. I run a business at the city centre whereas I need to open it at around 6:30am,” he stated, asserting that the ferry delays cost him significant numbers of customers.

Mwanahamisi Bakari said that one needs to pray whenever one climbs the ferry boats. “The government has been delaying its maintenance, thus posing a safety risk to passengers.”

Alfred Mgweno, the TEMESA acting head of marketing and public relations, said that MV Kigamboni will undergo major repairs to ensure better services and improved safety guarantees.

The work is expected to be completed by December, a routine exercise as the ferry boats are put to maintenance every five years, he stated.

Residents can also use the Nyerere Bridge as an alternative way to and from the city centre, he added.