MV Serengeti ship stopped operating after engine problems
What you need to know:
The ship stopped operating since February 16 after it developed technical problems in one of its engines.
Mwanza. MV Serengeti that had developed technical problems four weeks ago is expected to resume services between Mwanza and Bukoba ports today after undergoing some repairs. Travellers depending had either to postpone their plans or travel by bus when the engine was being repaired.
The ship stopped operating since February 16 after it developed technical problems in one of its engines.
Speaking to The Citizen in his office yesterday, the acting general manager of the Marine Services Company Ltd (MSCL), in Mwanza Region, Mr Mwassa Winton said maintenance of the ship had been completed.
“After several trial trips, we are satisfied that the ship is now safe and services will resume from Sunday (today),” he said.
According to the Mr Winton, the trial trips were conducted and supervised by technicians, who were maintaining the ship along with officials from Surface and Marine Transport Regulatory Authority (Sumatra).
The officer in charge with Sumatra in Mwanza, Mr Michael Rogers, said experts from his office had assessed the ship and satisfied with its safety.
“We have made several trips and we are satisfied with the efficiency of its engines. The ship is safe for normal operations,” said Rogers.
A traveller at Mwanza Port, who planned for a Mwanza-Bukoba trip, Mr Jovin Rwegasira, said resumption of Mv Serengeti operations was a relief for people, who had been spending more money on bus fares.
“The ship fare from Mwanza to Bukoba is only Sh16,500, while the same trip costs between Sh20,000 and Sh22,000 by bus,” said Mr Rwegasira. The ship was docked since February 16 this year after developing some problems in one of its engines. Sumatra safety concerns had to be observed before resuming operations.
