Governor Nassir mulls banning vehicles on Likoni ferry

 

Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir has proposed the banning of vehicles from using the Likoni ferry.

This comes after a Sunday morning incident where a bus tipped as it disembarked from the ferry leaving nine people nursing serious injuries.

The bus, which was traveling from Ukunda to Nairobi, lost control and tipped over while disembarking from the Likoni ferry.

In a statement after visiting the injured at the Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital, Nassir said the proposed ban is aimed at enhancing safety of pedestrians and motorists at the channel.

“I have personally visited the victims at the Coast General Teaching and Referral hospital to offer support and ensure they are receiving the best care possible. The county government of Mombasa is deeply concerned about the safety of all ferry users,” Governor Nassir said.

“As a measure to prevent future accidents, we will be proposing to the national government a cessation of vehicular traffic on the ferry. This step aims to enhance safety for both pedestrians and motorists using the ferry.”

The governor called on the residents and travellers to remain cautious as emergency teams wind up operations at the scene.

“We will keep you informed of further developments. Our prayers are with those injured and we wish them a speedy recovery.”

Volunteers from the Kenya Red Cross based at the Likoni Ferry rescue centre collaborated with officers from the National Police Service, Kenya Ferry and Authority in responding to the emergency incindent on Sunday.

Red Cross also provided psychosocial support services.

The rescue agency said seven people were treated at the scene while two others were taken to the hospital.

A sad tragic incident occured at the Likoni crossing channel in September 2019, involving 35-year-old Mariam Kigenda and her four-year-old daughter, Amanda Mutheu.

A saloon car Kigenda and her daughter were in slid off the ferry ramp and plunged into the Indian Ocean moments after they sailed offshore.

Kigenda’s car, a Toyota Isis, reversed under unclear circumstances while the ferry was midstream, and fell into the ocean.

by PERPETUA ETYANG