Boat owners in Tanzania’s Kagera and Geita regions are urging authorities to cease mid-water inspections on Lake Victoria, citing significant safety risks during strong winds and rough waves. These inspections, conducted by fisheries officials, disrupt vital transport services that connect the mainland to numerous islands, essential for the livelihoods of thousands. Operators are already grappling with a shortage of passenger vessels, and halting boats in open water not only destabilizes them but also instills fear among passengers.
The issue is particularly pressing in Muleba District, where several wards encompass a significant number of inhabited islands. Reliable water transport is crucial for trade, healthcare, and daily activities in these communities. At a recent stakeholders’ meeting, Masudi Ibrahim, secretary of the Kagera and Geita Boat Owners Association, advocated for dialogue rather than confrontation, suggesting inspections be conducted at the port before departure to ensure safety while vessels are in motion.
While boat owners express frustration over the inspections, fisheries officials defend the practice, asserting that it is necessary to combat illegal activities, including the smuggling of juvenile fish. However, experts from the Tanzania Shipping Agencies Corporation argue that stopping vessels mid-lake poses severe risks and contradicts safety regulations. The ongoing discussions aim to find a balance between regulatory enforcement and the safety of passengers and cargo transport in the region.
