Commuter crisis at Likoni feared as one ferry withdrawn for repairs

The Kenya Ferry Services has withdrawn one of its four vessels for repairs, a move likely to inconvenience commuters at the Likoni crossing.

A statement from KFS management Thursday said MV Kilindini would be withdrawn from the channel for one month to undergo maintenance at the African Marine and General Engineering Company Ltd.

“We wish to inform all our esteemed customers and general public that as from September 4, our ferry, MV Kilindini, will be undergoing mandatory structural repairs and maintenance,” said the statement signed by senior corporate service officer Elizabeth Wachira.

The statement added: “The repairs are estimated to last one month. We therefore appeal for patience and calmness during this period of MV Kilindini absence.

“Any inconveniences and delays are highly regretted.”

The withdrawal is expected to worsen a deplorable situation at the only crossing linking Mombasa Island and South Coast to Tanzania.

FERRIES UNABLE TO COPE

In recent times, the four ferries – MV Nyayo, MV Kilindini, MV Harambee and MV Likoni – have been having difficulties coping with the increasing human and vehicle traffic that more often than not overwhelms the channel used by over 300,000 people and 5,000 vehicles each day.

Two weeks ago, several people were injured when part of a perimeter wall collapsed under the weight of commuters trying to catch a ferry.

KFS managing director Hassan Musa Hassan has repeatedly said that the vessels are unable to cope with the traffic due to their old age and frequent breakdowns.

The ferries have been declared, by the world maritime organization, as unworthy for the sea after their life span expired several years ago.

“Due to the huge demand of the ferries, we cannot withdraw them for routine repairs as required.

“They are on duty almost 24 hours a day and so, they keep on breaking down,” Mr Musa said recently.

The government set aside Sh3.7 to buy two ferries which are expected in November 2016.