Govt receives donations following ferry disaster

What you need to know:

  • Among others, Tigo Tanzania has donated at least Sh150 million to the government while earlier on Saturday, Vodacom Tanzania donated Sh10 million.

Dar es Salaam. The government has received about Sh174 million from various stakeholders as condolences following the ferry disaster in Mwanza Region.

Among others, Tigo Tanzania has donated at least Sh150 million to the government while earlier on Saturday, Vodacom Tanzania donated Sh10 million.

The funds will be used to facilitate burial arrangements following capsizing of the MV-Nyerere near Ukara Island in Lake Victoria.

Minister for Works, Transport and Communication, Mr Isaac Kamwele on Saturday, September 22, 2018 during a televised event, that he received the funds on behalf of the government.

Others who donated include Mr Azim Dewji who has given out Sh10 million and 10 cartons of drinking water to the government.

“I would like to thank the donors. I also welcome other stakeholders to donate funds,” he said.

 

Commenting further on the ferry disaster, the Minister said, at least 209 people have been confirmed dead and 41 were rescued.

“At least 172 bodies have been identified and at least112 of them have been taken by their relatives. Each bereaved family has been given Sh500, 000 to facilitate burial arrangements,” he said.

Moreover, Mr Kamwele handed over the funds to the Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office responsible for Policy, Parliamentary Affairs, Labour, Employment, Youth and the Disabled, Ms Jenista Mhagama.

For her part, Ms Mhagama asserted that the Mwanza regional disaster management committee will oversee a special NMB account dubbed ‘Maafa MV-Nyerere 31110057246’ which has been opened to allow the donors to donate funds.

“My office will also closely oversee that bank account to make sure that the donated funds are benefiting the bereaved families as intended,” she said.

For his part, at same occasion, Home Affairs Minister Mr Kangi Lugola gave assurance to the Tanzanians, saying the ferry disaster will not affect country’s solidarity and peace.

He also warned, the government will not hesitate to issue legal measures against people who would be find guilty of breaching country’s peace.

“Those who will be found guilty in connection to the ferry disaster will be subjected to legal measures,” he said.

He also instructed the security organs to track down people on social media networks who spread false allegations against the government following the ferry disaster.

Meanwhile, the Tanzania Electrical Mechanical and Electronics Services Agency has donated Sh2.5 million as condolences and pledged to cover other costs of transporting bereaved families to their destinations for burial procedures.