ZANZIBAR FERRY ACCIDENT THREATENS MORE THAN TOURSIM

Sarah Collier argues that the sinking of the MV Spice Islander is indicative of Tanzania's failing transport system.

Earlier this month, an overloaded ferry capsized as it sailed from Unguja to Pemba, the two main islands in the Zanzibar Archipelago. It is thought that there were between 800 and 1000 passengers on board the MV Spice Islander, and there are reports that other passengers declined to board the ship due to overcrowding. Approximately 200 bodies were discovered, while the government figures report that 620 people were rescued. Fears that more people died in the accident grow, as many remain unaccounted for.

As a case trying five people over the MV Spice Islander disaster was suspended indefinitely by Zanzibar’s High Courts, questions are being asked about the causes of the accident, and its likely effects. It has been largely attributed to the reported overcrowding on board, and the poor maintenance of the ship.

The Tanzanian government is concerned about the effects the ferry disaster may have on tourism. Zanzibar is currently a hugely popular tourist destination, with unspoiled Indian Ocean beaches attracting backpackers and honeymooners alike. Tourism is the top income generator for Zanzibar, and the island earns more than mainland Tanzania from tourists. Tourists tend to fly into Tanzania’s capital, Dar es Salaam, and then take the ferry over to Zanzibar. It is thus perhaps natural for the government to be worried about the impact the ferry disaster will have on tourism.

This accident, however, should not be regarded as an isolated incident. Tanzania has a long history of maritime accidents, and there have been a number of disasters in recent years. In May 2009, MV Faith, a cargo ship capsized off Zanzibar, killing six passengers. The same year three uninsured passenger ships caught fire in Zanzibar and Dar es Salaam ports as they underwent maintenance. In 2010, the MV Serengeti also caught fire, and was completely destroyed.

Tanzania also has one of the worst road safety records in the world. However, the failures of Tanzania’s transport system primarily affect Tanzanian citizens rather than tourists. The ferries that have been involved in accidents have been cheaper ferries, carrying locals. From Dar es Salaam, where the MV Spice Islander originally disembarked from, fast, sleek and modern ferries, taking approximately two hours to Zanzibar load up tourists daily, costing approximately $50. The MV Spice Islander was travelling during the night; it was a slow ferry, designed for those who could not afford tourist fares. Private companies know that lower fares mean they can get away with overcrowding, and poor safety records.

The tourists this month may have been more apprehensive than usual about boarding their ferries. They should not be. The real issue is for Tanzanians who are forced to travel on overcrowded and poorly maintained ships because they cannot afford the alternative. It is right that the failures behind the ferry disaster are being explored, and that some general critiques of Tanzania’s transport system are being offered. These transport issues are costlier and deadlier than many issues more popular with the international NGO community. But the emphasis is wholly wrong. It is true that occasional tourists have died on Tanzania’s roads, and some more paranoid tourists may stay away from Zanzibar until the ferry disaster has disappeared from the news altogether. But the real victims here are not the tourists, but Tanzanians, who continually risk their lives on necessary travel. The Tanzanian government and the international community would do well to keep this at the forefront of their minds as the fall-out from the ferry disaster continues.

Sarah Collier

Sarah Collier is currently studying for a Master's Degree in African Politics at the School of Oriental and African Studies, with a special interest in Eastern and Central Africa.

SOURCE:http://thinkafricapress.com