Tanzanians praised for unity

Union and Zanzibar governments have praised Tanzanians for their unity during the time of sorrow.

Union President Jakaya Kikwete said the unity shown after MV Spice Islanders I capsized had shown that Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar were indeed one. He said people from both sides of the union worked together and 619 people were rescued.

“Businesspeople from both sides as well as other wananchi provided their material and moral support to the victims upon receiving the bad news. Various speedboats abandoned their trips and instead took part in the rescue operation,” he said.

Zanzibar President Ali Mohamed Shein also commended Tanzanians for unity at the difficult time. The two leaders were speaking yesterday evening at Maisara grounds during prayers for people who lost their lives when the ship sank off Unguja island on Friday night.

Tens of thousands of Zanzibar residents, politicians, diplomats attended the prayers. It was announced that 197 bodies had been recovered in the worst marine disaster in Zanzibar history. Some 619 people were rescued.

However, hope of getting more survivors were fading, three days after the ship capsized near Nungwi on its journey to Pemba from Unguja.

Dr Shein said it was important to observe marine regulations to avoid tragedies. He also called for ship owners and other stakeholders to ensure that safety education was provided to passengers and the public in general.

The head of the diplomatic corps in Tanzania, Ambassador Juma Mpango of the DR Congo, said embassies were saddened by the accident that claimed lives of many people.

The chief secretary, Mr Philemon Luhanjo, said the National Peace and Security Council resolved in its Sunday meeting that marine transport regulatory authorities on both sides of the union harmonise regulations for efficient supervision.


Thecitizen.co.tz