Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL) – This morning, passengers attempting to purchase tickets for ferry services between Banjul and Barra were met with an unwelcome surprise: ferry sales had been halted, and the vessels were out of service. With no further information provided by staff regarding the duration of the disruption or when services might resume, passengers were left stranded and confused at the ports.
The lack of communication from ferry management only added to the frustration. It wasn’t until passengers reported the issue to the media that Gambia Ferry Services issued a sparse and unclear press release. The statement vaguely announced a delay in the commencement of ferry services for the day due to ongoing maintenance work.
“The Management of the Gambia Ferry Services Company hereby informs the general public that following the successful installation of three new engines, a Schottel Control Engineer from Schottel Germany is on the ground this week to work on the propulsion systems. Therefore, an intermittent disruption of the service is expected,” the release stated.
However, the press release failed to specify which of the two ferries, Kanilai or Kunta Kinteh, was being serviced. It merely mentioned that efforts would be made to minimize the disruption as much as possible, leaving passengers with more questions than answers.
As the situation unfolded, eyewitnesses reported that people began boarding canoes to continue their journeys across the river. With canoes as the only alternative mode of transportation, chaotic scenes ensued, with long lines forming at makeshift boarding docks.
Passengers expressed their dissatisfaction with the lack of transparency and planning from the ferry management. “We understand maintenance is necessary, but there should have been a better communication strategy to inform us about these disruptions in advance,” said one stranded traveler.
The Gambia Ferry Services has yet to provide a detailed timeline for when normal operations will resume, leaving travelers and daily commuters in a state of uncertainty.
