By Gibao Brima

There have been growing demands from those who frequently shuttle between Ferry Terminal at Kissy Dockyard and Targrin in Lungi to rehabilitate the terminal at Dockyard as they claim is in bad shape. Many people use ferry from Kissy terminal to cross over to Lungi on daily basis to transact respective businesses. Like local residents, visitors from other countries also use the route given that it’s the shortest to and from the capital, Freetown.

However, the bad condition of the terminal has frightened travellers which have prompted the call for the government to have it repaired to avoid future disaster.

“The landing site at the terminal is undeniably in total deteriorating condition and needs urgent repairs,” one of the frightened travellers stated in anger. She said mud; plastic wastes and other unwanted materials that erode from the Akram dumpsite have made the place not only perpetually filthy but gradually covering the Jetty, since she said it has taken decades without dredging making it difficult for ferries to land safely, more so when these ferries are very aging with poor facilities including sanitation.

Many people who spoke to this reporter said government should know that Kissy Ferry Terminal is a gateway to the outside world because it connects the city and Lungi International Airport. Kissy terminal/ Targrin is the shortest route to and from the capital which is used by local residents as well as visitors from overseas.

“Given the background of its importance, it is but prudent for government to quickly intervene to prevent unforeseeable disaster,” another disgruntled traveller insisted, adding that government needs to solicit support from its partners to upgrade the aging terminal to catch up with other countries in the sub-region.

The Ferry and Boat Transfer project, it’s gathered, was undertaken by the then APC led government with support from the World Bank but it now appears, the project was a mere waste of resources as the facility has remained in dilapidating condition. It’s against this backdrop that people are calling on government to rehabilitate the facility with matter of urgency and the seriousness it deserves.