Put officials linked to ferry disaster to task, Mbowe urges Magufuli

What you need to know:

  • He made the call as he briefed journalists at the party’s head offices in the city on Friday, September 21.

Dar es Salaam. Main Opposition party, Chadema, Chairman Freeman Mbowe has asked President John Magufuli to take stern disciplinary measures against officials linked to the operations of MV Nyerere following its accident that claimed lives of over 100 people in Lake Victoria on Thursday, September 20.

He made the call as he briefed journalists at the party’s head offices in the city on Friday, September 21.

The event was live broadcast via local television sites attended also by other party leaders.

"On behalf of Chadema and Tanzanians as a whole, I ask President Magufuli to hold the responsible officials accountable following the disaster," he said.

He added: "There is lack of accountability in the government. If such disaster would happen somewhere else in the World, the relevant government officials would have tendered in their resignations to allow fair and free investigations into the matter."

Commenting further on the ferry disaster, Mr Mbowe, who is also Hai MP, accused authorities over failure to rescue the victims immediately after the disaster occurred.

"I'm saddened by reports that the rescuers suspended the operation at night fall on the excuse of poor lighting,” he said.

Following the disaster, Mr Mbowe also urged the government to establish health insurance scheme to cutter for residents of the Lake Zone who operate along the Lake Victoria.

He elaborated that the health insurance scheme would benefit survivors and families of people who lose their beloved ones in such disasters.

According to reports, at least 120 people have been confirmed dead and 40 rescued after the MV- Nyerere capsized near Ukara Island on Thursday, September 20.

Meanwhile, the opposition leader revealed that his party would participate in the burial arrangements, sending his condolences to the bereaved families for the losses.