.1.5 million -Compassionate funds given to relatives of victims
.One Million -Compassionate payment made to survivors
.400,000 -Amount given rescuers.
Dar es Salaam. The government on Friday, September 28, concluded the rescue operations for MV Nyerere tragedy in Ukara Island.
The ferry, plying from Bugorola to Bwisya Island capsized on Thursday, September 20, about 50 meters from the berths with preliminary probe reports showing that it was overloaded by passengers and cargo.
But, addressing the public during the live televised event on Friday, September 28, the minister of Works, Transport and Communications, Isack Kwamwelwe said President John Magufuli had sent an appreciation message thanking all Tanzanians who participated in the operations.
“He has asked me to convey his heartfelt appreciation for showing the world that Tanzanians can address impacts of disasters without support from outside,” he said.
He said a total of Sh946.6 million was collected as condolences from individuals, institutions and organisations, noting that the head of state has directed every stakeholder who participated in the rescue operation should be given Sh400,000.
“The President has furthermore directed that part of the remaining Sh449 million should be used to construct a tower at the cemetery of the victims. Some of the money should be used for building three wards for male, female and children at Bwisya dispensary in Ukara Ward,” he said.
He said it is a must that the construction is completed, saying Dr Magufuli had directed money to be collected from another source in case the money will not be enough.
He said currently, MV Ukara with a capacity of carrying 70 passengers without cargo is undergoing testing after major maintenance before being authorized to travel between Ukara and Bugurola Islets.
He noted that MV Sabasaba which has a capacity of carrying 300 passengers is also undergoing major maintenance before starting to travel between the two sides.
TPDF navy chief, Rear Admiral Richard Makanzo said after bringing wrecked MV Nyerere to the coast, they are now recovering a car and some other properties including building material.
“We are lucky because the ferry could completely sink if we delayed for about two and three days,” he said.
For his part, the Mwanza Regional Commissioner John Mongella said members of the regional security and defence committee will remain in the Island for the next few days.
“We are the victims, we will remain here for few more days in order to harmonize remaining issues,” he said.
