Idea to halt ferry services abandoned

Kenya Ferry Services (KFS) has backtracked on a decision to suspended operations across the Likoni Channel for six months to allow repairs of a landing site.

Yesterday, KFS had sent George Otipa, an engineer from the ministry of transport to make the announcement to people who were waiting for the ferry in Mtongwe.

The announcement angered the ferry users who demanded to be addressed by the KFS top management.

KFS chairman Dan Mwazo and Managing Director Bakari Gowa (pictured) later arrived to a hostile reception.

The ferry users heckled them when they tried to explain that services must be suspended so that the landing site can be repaired at a cost of Sh28 million.

“We have made an inspection and found that the jetties have been eaten up by rust and if not repaired, will cause a disaster,” said Mr Gowa.

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Residents who were interviewed felt the repair costs were too high. Abdallah Mwalimu, a resident who survived the 1994 Mtongwe ferry accident, said the repair was a waste of public funds.

“How can you spend Sh28 million? It is too much,” Mr Abdalla said.

Others argued the repair time is too long. “Six months is too long. Are you building a ship!”, an angry resident shouted.

Under intense pressure, Gowa said KFS will not be suspending ferry survives and will seek another alternative as repair work goes on.