Thousands of ferry users are staring at a crisis at the Likoni crossing channel following the grounding of two ferries.
Kenya Ferry Services (KFS) has withdrawn Mv Nyayo and Mv Likoni.
KFS officials told Nation that the two vessels were taken out of service after developing mechanical problems.
DAMAGED PROPELLER
Sources revealed that Mv Likoni’ propeller was damaged, forcing its withdrawal.
“Workers tried to fix it, [propeller] but they did not succeed. The management is now contemplating to send the vessel to African Marine and General Engineering Company (Amgeco) for the repairs,” a senior KFS official said on condition anonymity.
The vessel had been out of service since Monday, the Nation learnt. KFS Communications Officer Aaron Mutiso confirmed that the Mv Likoni was undergoing repairs and it would be back “soon”.
Meanwhile, the second ferry Mv Nyayo was withdrawn on Tuesday evening despite KFS announcing last week that it would be taken for repairs.
MAINTENANCE
The vessel had been operating despite an earlier announcement that it would be withdrawn for maintenance at the Amgeco.
The agency had said in a statement that the 30-years old vessel will undergo a mandatory maintenance programme that would take two weeks.
“This is therefore to advise you to avoid where necessary rush hours to avoid in any delays. The company subsequently to appeals for patience and understanding during this period,” reads the KFS statement seen by Nation.
OLD VESSELS
Mv Nyayo is among three old vessels that have been serving the more than 300, 000 people and 6, 000 vehicles daily. On Wednesday, the busy Likoni crossing channel had only Mv Jambo, Mv Kwale and Mv Kilindini operating.
The vessels plying the channel have been withdrawn at different occasions following perennial mechanical problems.
With only three vessels operating, motorists from the mainland were forced to wait for hours before crossing to the Island.
KFS officials manning the mainland side ramp had a hard time controlling motorists and commuters who were rushing to work early morning.
CHAOTIC
“It was chaotic in the morning. The situation is now a bit calm. Everyone was rushing to get a ferry,” a police officer told Nation.
The chaotic state at the channel has also been worsened following the grounding of the third ferry Mv Harambee.
The Mv Harambee was permanently grounded following an incident that claimed the lives of a woman and her daughter in September last year.
Currently, KFS is largely depending on Mv Jambo, the largest vessel in the country. KFS is, however hoping to ease congestion and deal with traffic snarl-ups with the arrival of the second new ferry.
Final installations of machinery of the vessel, Mv Safari is being done in Turkey before it sent to Kenya. The vessel was set to be delivered last month, but KFS says the installations have been delayed.