Mtongwe ferry users to wait longer for new vessels
A ferry that used to operate on the Mtongwe channel. FILE PHOTO | LABAN WALLOGA |
What you need to know:
- Transport and Infrastructure Cabinet Secretary Michael Kamau said the ministry will float tenders for two new ferries this week.
- Since decommissioning of two ferries that had been declared unseaworthy in late 2012, Mtongwe residents have had to use the Likoni ferry crossing
Residents of Mtongwe, Mombasa County, will not be enjoying ferry services any time soon, the Nation learned on Monday.
Transport and Infrastructure Cabinet Secretary Michael Kamau said the ministry will float tenders for two new ferries this week, which will take at least one-and-a-half years to build.
“The government has allocated Sh600 million for the vessels this financial year and after we float the tenders, we expect procurement to take at least three months.
“The tender will be awarded immediately thereafter,” he said after inspecting projects at the Kenya Ferry Services headquarters.
Since decommissioning of two ferries that had been declared unseaworthy in late 2012, Mtongwe residents have had to use the Likoni ferry crossing, causing them inconvenience, the minister noted.
“The KFS is one of the corporations whose functions are very complicated since they deal directly with more than 300,000 people and at least 5,000 vehicles crossing the channel daily. We have to appreciate the challenges that go with such a responsibility,” Mr Kamau said.
He said a jetty and crane to be used for the repair of the vessels had been completed at a cost of Sh326 million, to enhance efficiency of the ferries.
