Commuters were left puzzled as the malfunctioning Kunta Kinteh ferry continued to operate on Tuesday, transporting a considerable number of passengers, trucks and cars. The ferry services provided by GPA have acknowledged assuming an unwarranted and hazardous risk due to “strong demand at the terminal,” and that Thursday’s voyage was approved.
Only the Kanilai ferry was running at reduced capacity because the Kunta Kinteh was due to be in dry dock this week.
The GPA Ferry Service reports that the ferry Kunta Kinteh’s scheduled dry docking has been postponed due to insufficient docking space at the only shipbuilding site close to the port. This raises questions about the ferry management’s decision to fill an unfit-for-sail vessel to the brim with tons of cargo, endangering passengers, crew, and cargo.
The approval of such a dangerous action is troubling, especially considering the delayed dry docking of the Kunta Kinteh. This incident highlights the importance of prioritizing safety over meeting demands, even during busy times at the terminal.
The earliest expected docking day is Monday, March 18, 2024, according to Banjul Shipyard Management. Travelers who depend on the ferry to cross the river are concerned about this latest delay. The ferry business is developing backup arrangements to reduce service interruptions during this unforeseen postponement.
Until the Kunta Kinteh can undergo the required maintenance and repairs, passengers are advised to seek alternate forms of transportation. The repairs on the Kunta Kinteh ferry will include keel cooling maintenance, step deck repair preparations, and engine room cleaning to be ready to receive the new engines when the ferry is eventually launched.
Many commuters believe that the Ferry Service’s previous defenses are hollow pretexts, considering that the Kunta Kinteh is not an outdated ferry. They argue that the current state of affairs is a result of subpar management techniques and call for the immediate firing of all senior executives. Some commuters feel that the ongoing dysfunction and chaos of the ferries have been allowed to continue unchecked for too long.
The leadership’s sluggish and passive approach to this catastrophic situation indicates a lack of accountability and foresight, which is detrimental to passengers and the GPA. Disappointed commuters, including truck and perishable food drivers, students, and women vegetable vendors, have expressed their concerns, stating that individuals feign allegiance to the country but lack genuine dedication to its well-being. This disconnect underscores a broader issue of superficiality and neglect within governance structures.
The government’s inability to adequately prioritize and manage its people’s requirements is negatively reflected by the continued problems with the GPA. The gap between words and deeds will only worsen, further undermining public confidence and exacerbating the country’s problems.
