MWANZA, United Republic of Tanzania — In a significant move to bolster safety and security on Lake Victoria, the Lake Victoria Basin Commission (LVBC) has initiated the construction of a state-of-the-art maritime rescue and coordination center in Mwanza.
According to Kenya News Agency, the project, with an investment of Sh. 300 million, aims to establish Search and Rescue Stations (SARS) along the shores of the lake in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. This initiative is part of the broader Multinational Lake Victoria Transport and Communication Project, designed to address the increasing frequency of fatal accidents in the waters of East Africa’s largest lake.
Over the past two years, the lake has witnessed the loss of 63 lives due to various maritime mishaps, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced search and rescue capabilities in the region. Among the notable tragedies were the capsizing of a boat at Pier Beach in Homa Bay County, Kenya, on 21st September 2021, which resulted in 10 deaths, and a Precision Air commercial plane crash into the lake on 6th November 2022, killing 19 people. Additionally, July and August 2023 saw twin boat disasters in Tanzania and Uganda, claiming 14 and 20 lives, respectively.
The LVBC, a key institution of the East Africa Community (EAC) focused on the sustainable development of the Lake Victoria Basin, has secured funding from the Africa Development Bank (ADB) for the project. The expected completion date is December this year. The newly established search and rescue centers will be equipped with speed boats and medical facility boats to improve emergency response efforts.
Dr. Bwire emphasized the commission’s dedication to preventing further loss of life in the lake, stating, “We cannot sit and watch our people lose lives in the Lake. The commission therefore reiterates its commitment to continue contributing towards making Lake Victoria safe.” He also revealed plans for an elaborate maritime communication network to facilitate effective coordination during disasters and announced the establishment of a telephone code (110) for emergency rescue coordination.
Furthermore, the project includes capacity-building for national and regional search and rescue teams and the construction of a Maritime Training facility in Uganda, with an allocation of Sh. 220 million from ADB. This initiative is aligned with the EAC’s efforts to enhance maritime and blue economy activities. LVBC also aims to expand research on Lake Victoria, including weather forecasting improvements for safer navigation. The commission’s research vessel MVJumuia is set to resume operations soon.
The 22nd Sectoral Council of Ministers on Lake Victoria Basin (SECOM-LVB), where Dr. Bwire spoke, serves as the commission’s strategic governing body. The meeting saw participation from delegates across EAC member states, including Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), underscoring the collaborative effort towards a safer Lake Victoria.