Post by ferryfast admin on Mar 13, 2006 18:29:02 GMT -5
State urged to replace old ferries to avert disasters
By Patrick Beja
Maritime stakeholders in Mombasa have warned over stalled ferries at Likoni, Mombasa.
They urged the Government to check the condition of the vessels that dock at the Likoni channel to prevent a disaster.
Speaking at a workshop on Friday at the Whitesands Hotel, the stakeholders warned of the danger of collision between stalled ferries and ships, which use the Mombasa Port.
Captain Frederick Wahutu, acting director general of Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA) said it would be difficult for a loaded oil tanker to break or drop anchor to avoid hitting a stalled ferry.
"We are courting a major disaster at Likoni ferry especially because an oil tanker cannot be stopped in case of a ferry stalling midstream," Captain Wahutu warned.
Kenya Navy deputy commander Brig Jefwa Mwathethe had urged the authority to look into the matter.
Mwathethe said the Mtongwe disaster, Kenya’s worst marine accident, where over 200 passengers died, should serve as a warning and jolt the authorities into action to avert similar disasters.
He noted that some Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) boats sail at over 40 knots along the Likoni channel, adding that any ferry breaking down midstream posed danger to passengers.
"The Mtongwe disaster still evokes sad memories to some of us particularly because we could not save so many lives. But the sad thing is that another marine disaster is waiting to happen and we should take the necessary precautions," said Mwathethe.
Over 1,200 ships use Likoni and Mtongwe channels annually. Some of the five ferries belonging to the Kenya Ferry Services are old and often break down.
On February 28, Transport minister Ali Mwakwere inspected the ferries and said some of them are more than 30 years old and need replacement.
However, he said Sh1 billion set aside by Government for the purchase of two new ferries is being withheld following a court case involving two foreign firms, which bid for the tender.
Last Friday, KMA chairman Joseph Nguru suggested that the Government licenses a private ferry operator to operate alongside the Kenya Ferry Services, which is owned by Government.
Chairman of the Kenya International Freight and Warehousing Association (Kifwa) Mombasa branch Mr Mbarak Salim called for the construction of an underground tunnel at Likoni.
He said such a project has been a success story in Japan as it has made crossing safe.
The trader said the alternative for Kenya should be to develop the fixed crossing at Dongo Kundu.
By Patrick Beja
Maritime stakeholders in Mombasa have warned over stalled ferries at Likoni, Mombasa.
They urged the Government to check the condition of the vessels that dock at the Likoni channel to prevent a disaster.
Speaking at a workshop on Friday at the Whitesands Hotel, the stakeholders warned of the danger of collision between stalled ferries and ships, which use the Mombasa Port.
Captain Frederick Wahutu, acting director general of Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA) said it would be difficult for a loaded oil tanker to break or drop anchor to avoid hitting a stalled ferry.
"We are courting a major disaster at Likoni ferry especially because an oil tanker cannot be stopped in case of a ferry stalling midstream," Captain Wahutu warned.
Kenya Navy deputy commander Brig Jefwa Mwathethe had urged the authority to look into the matter.
Mwathethe said the Mtongwe disaster, Kenya’s worst marine accident, where over 200 passengers died, should serve as a warning and jolt the authorities into action to avert similar disasters.
He noted that some Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) boats sail at over 40 knots along the Likoni channel, adding that any ferry breaking down midstream posed danger to passengers.
"The Mtongwe disaster still evokes sad memories to some of us particularly because we could not save so many lives. But the sad thing is that another marine disaster is waiting to happen and we should take the necessary precautions," said Mwathethe.
Over 1,200 ships use Likoni and Mtongwe channels annually. Some of the five ferries belonging to the Kenya Ferry Services are old and often break down.
On February 28, Transport minister Ali Mwakwere inspected the ferries and said some of them are more than 30 years old and need replacement.
However, he said Sh1 billion set aside by Government for the purchase of two new ferries is being withheld following a court case involving two foreign firms, which bid for the tender.
Last Friday, KMA chairman Joseph Nguru suggested that the Government licenses a private ferry operator to operate alongside the Kenya Ferry Services, which is owned by Government.
Chairman of the Kenya International Freight and Warehousing Association (Kifwa) Mombasa branch Mr Mbarak Salim called for the construction of an underground tunnel at Likoni.
He said such a project has been a success story in Japan as it has made crossing safe.
The trader said the alternative for Kenya should be to develop the fixed crossing at Dongo Kundu.