New ferry docks to alleviate pressure at Likoni Channel
Thousands of commuters at the Likoni Ferry Crossing Channel can now breath a sigh of relief after a new vessel arrived in the country from Turkey where builder Ozata Shipyard Company assembled it.
Kenya Ferry Services (KFS) management has said MV Safari is a big boost to the channel, which is already struggling with traffic flow orchestrated by the outbreak of the coronavirus disease.
KFS managing director, Bakari Gowa said with the traffic challenges brought about by the coronavirus, the ferry is able to carry 1,000 persons in line with new precautionary measures put by government to control the spread of Covid-19.
“In the new war of Covid-19 this ferry has a capacity for 1,000 people, that is in line with the social distancing measures put by government and this is a big boost to us as it will ease travel across the busy channel,” said Gowa.
Carriage capacity of existing ferries was also reduced after the management enforced social distancing procedures on the vessels to curb the spread of the contagious disease.
Currently ferries operational are MV Kilindini, MV Jambo, MV Kwale and MV Likoni. MV Harambee and MV Nyayo are undergoing repairs at the dry dockyard.
MV Safari has a capacity of 1,359 people among them 12 with disability and 64 vehicles at a go. The ferry arrived after 27 days of cruise at sea. This is a sister ferry to MV Jambo which arrived in July 2017.
It is under mechanical check-up and inspection at the dockyard waiting to begin operations after certification after two weeks begin operation. The ferry was constructed at a cost of Sh1.2 billion.
The vessel docked in Mombasa on Saturday, and is expected to start serving residents from the first week of May Gowa said arrival of the ferry was timely adding that it would go a long way in boosting the region’s efforts to fight fast-spreading coronavirus.
“We shall give it enough time to ensure its fumigated and sanitized and certified fit for us. We give it two weeks and it will be ready to operate,” said Gowa. The arrival brings to five the number of ferries that operate at the channel.
Boniface Mwangi a daily commuter across the channel expressed his joy saying the perennial gridlock will now be a thing of the past adding that the arrival was timely while the Ferry management was fighting spread of corona Virus.
“At least we are assured that we will not overcrowd at the ferry when crossing. At least it will cushion us from the disease by ensuring social distancing is adhered to,” said Mwangi.
Mtongwe Ferry Channel, however, according to Gowa is under repairs and is set to begin operations once construction work of the ramps is complete.
On a daily basis, the residents are compelled to crowd at the channel and cross over using the limited number of ferries to avoid breaching the curfew order.
