Ibrahim Karim Bangura (Tanko)
The people of Kaffu-Bullom-Lungi and Lokomasama have expressed serious concerns and disappointment over the speedy increment of ferry price from five thousand Leone (5,000) to twenty-seven thousand Leones (27,000), since 2018 to present; plying the Atlantic Ocean during these current season is extremely tough.
In an exclusive interview with Africa24 newspaper, Chairlady of Rotifunk Market, Madam Kadiatu Sesay disclosed that they are facing huge financial constraints to ferry from Lungi to Freetown every day as traders.
She maintained that government should put robust measures in place in order to prevent the crisis in Kaffu Bullom, because the Chiefdom is one of the largest hubs of economic-driven in the country, especially in the northwest. She added that government should put systems in place to prevent traders and create better alternatives to ease the situation. Using boats and water taxi is more risky during rainy season,” she said.
Chairlady Kadiatu Sesay however, stated that the Ferry Management, stakeholders and donor partners should do the needful for the ordinary man.
In his submission, Paramount Chief of Kaffu Bullom Chiefdom-Lungi, PC Bai Shebora the III, said the Ferry Management should seek the interest of people, and also abide to the rules and regulations of the ferries at the moment as they are looking out for solutions, because the economic status in the country is highly challenging. Noting that Sierra Leone economy is still problematic, and the transportation system is not encouraging.
According to inside sources, the Mahera Ferry and others are making huge revenues, but the conditions of the ferries are appalling due to bad management over the years. However, an anonymous staff of Mahera and Bai Bureh Ferries have explained to this medium about their challenges with regards the poor conditions of service, adding that plenty of workers are without letter of appointments and social security cards.