Back Afloat: Research Vessel Returns After 15 Years
According to the minister, construction of the Timba started in the 1950s during the colonial era and was completed in 1989, but the vessel broke down 17 years ago.
MANGOCHI, Malawi- Minister of Lands Deus Gumba has re-launched the country's research vessel RV Timba, which broke down in 2006, writes Maureen Kawerama.
Speaking at the relaunch event Wednesday in Mangochi-Monkey Bay, Gumba said the vessel will support Malawi's blue economy by generating revenue and enabling research.
"This is another opportunity for us to increase revenues through this vessel because we have already received researchers from England who have hired it for two months starting Thursday at K1,650,000 per day," Gumba said.
According to the minister, construction of the Timba started in the 1950s during the colonial era and was completed in 1989, but the vessel broke down 17 years ago.
Masida Mbano, surveyor general in the Lands Ministry's Department of Survey, said the return of the Timba will make it easier for the department to conduct survey operations on Lake Malawi.
Mbano said the vessel serves two key roles for research. "First, it is used to scan the depth of Lake Malawi which helps us produce maps used for safe navigation by all ships on the lake. Second, it scans below the surface for gases, minerals and fish," he said.