Nchemba issued the statement during a visit to the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) in Mwanza, which operates around the clock to coordinate search-and-rescue missions, monitor distress signals and respond to maritime emergencies within Tanzania’s designated zone on Lake Victoria. 

Lake Victoria supports one of the world’s largest inland fisheries and is a vital inland waterway linking Tanzania, Uganda and Kenya. The lake is used extensively for passenger transport and the movement of goods, but accidents linked to overcrowding, severe weather and limited rescue capacity have long posed risks.

According to regional transport and fisheries agencies, Lake Victoria supports millions of livelihoods and facilitates significant cross-border trade in fish, agricultural produce and manufactured goods between East African economies. 

“This is a specialised, life-saving service that requires constant readiness and professionalism,” Nchemba said, stressing the importance of rapid response to distress calls.

Officials said the Mwanza-based centre is expected to improve coordination and reduce response times through modern communication and monitoring systems, strengthening safety for fishermen, traders and passengers.

Nchemba said the effectiveness of the centre would depend not only on technology but also on the commitment of trained personnel operating it.

The prime minister also said completion of the MRCC reflected the government’s push under President Samia Suluhu Hassan to revive delayed infrastructure projects with direct public safety benefits.

Construction of the centre was suspended between 2018 and 2020 after regional partners withdrew from the project. Tanzania later decided to complete it independently to ensure continued access to rescue services for lakeside communities.

Transport Minister Makame Mbarawa said the facility was the first of its kind on Lake Victoria and had cost about 19.8 billion Tanzanian shillings ($7.8 million). He said the government would continue investing in staff training and maintenance.

Mbarawa said a dedicated emergency hotline, 110, had been introduced to allow lake users to quickly alert authorities and trigger a coordinated response.

The centre forms part of the Multinational Lake Victoria Maritime Communication and Transport Project under the East African Community framework, according to the Tanzania Shipping Agencies Corporation (TASAC).

The project is jointly implemented by Tanzania and Uganda following Kenya’s withdrawal in 2020 and is coordinated by the Lake Victoria Basin Commission. It includes three search-and-rescue centres, rescue vessels, a medical boat and real-time weather information systems.

Officials said the expanded rescue infrastructure is expected to reduce fatalities and improve confidence in transport and trade on the lake, which serves millions of people across the Great Lakes region.

Notes to Editors

·       Lake Victoria is Africa’s largest lake and a critical transport, fisheries and trade corridor linking Tanzania, Uganda and Kenya.

·       The Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) in Mwanza operates 24/7 to coordinate search-and-rescue missions, monitor distress signals and respond to maritime emergencies.

·       The centre was completed by Tanzania after regional partners withdrew between 2018 and 2020, reflecting the government’s commitment to public safety.

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