Lake Victoria’s cargo ferry is set to start its official operations in six months.
MV Uhuru, which has been undergoing repair since 2009, was grounded in 2006 after developing a technical hitch.
The break down of the ship affected business and led to the loss of jobs among other effects before Rift Valley Railways (RVR) offered an additional Sh20 million towards the repair of the cargo ship in a bid to boost business in the region.
Apart from renovations that will see the ship ply Kisumu- Mwanza- Port Bell route, there are adjustments to expand its capacity.
The renovations of the ship include installation of cranes and elimination of wagons.
Accordingly to RVR group Chief Executive Officer Isaiah Okoth, the company has acquired all the important parts required for the renovation.
“We have bought all the machinery parts and equipment needed to repair the vessel and the engineers have told us that once works begin, MV Uhuru should be ready for voyage by the end of April next year,” said Okoth, as quoted by the Standard.
Okoth added that the ship will pay off the amount spent on the same once it starts operations.
“It cost Sh20 million to Sh30 million to repair the boat, it would cost over Sh700 million to buy a new one. MV Uhuru is still in good shape and we are sure its return will be a game-changer in maritime trade in this region,” he added.