By Wendy Mkandawire
The Ministry of Transport and the Malawi Police Service (MPS) have instituted investigations to establish the circumstances that led to the sinking of MV Mtendere at Monkey Bay Harbour on 28th September, 2026.
In an interview, Ministry of Transport Communications Officer Chikondi Chimala said the Ministry will provide verified information once investigations are concluded.
Meanwhile, Chimala has disclosed that government has commenced the process of disposing of MV Mtendere together with other idle and decommissioned vessels such as MV Nkhwazi, MV Mpasa and MV Mcheni.
“MV Mtendere faced a number of challenges, including high fuel and maintenance costs. For instance, the vessel consumed approximately 10,000 litres of fuel and 250 litres of lubricating oil on a round trip between Monkey Bay and Chilumba,” he said.
He highlighted that the high operating costs contributed to the eventual withdrawal of the vessel from service.
He said the disposal process is being undertaken in line with the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets (PPDA) Act, applicable regulations and established government procedures.
According to Chimala, the Ministry of Transport is committed to ensuring that the disposal of public assets is conducted in an open, transparent and accountable manner in accordance with the law.
MV Mtendere was commissioned in 1980 and operated as a passenger and cargo vessel on Lake Malawi. The vessel ceased operating on its scheduled routes in 2002.
