Dilapidated ferry docking site worries Kalangala travellers
A truck is driven out of the ferry at Nakiwogo Landing site this week. Residents of Kalangala have complained of the poor pier, saying if Works and Transport ministry does not repair it, an accident is bound to happen.
Photo By HENRY LUBULWA
What you need to know:
The travellers say they are afraid someone may soon drown in Lake Victoria.
Entebbe. Travellers to and from Kalangala District who use MV Kalangala ferry have asked the Works ministry to repair the pier at Nakiwogo landing site immediately to avert possible accidents.
The travellers vented their concerns on Monday after facing difficulty in disembarking due to the increased water levels at the dock in Entebbe, Wakiso District.
The raised concrete floor on the dock is damaged and travellers risk sliding and drowning into the lake.
Mr Jackson Okello, a traveller said many people, especially tourists who use the route risk drowning.
“How can a government property become risky to this extent? Whoever is responsible should help us fix this before an accident happens,” Mr Okello said.
The landing pier is part of the larger Nakiwogo landing site located on the shoreline of Lake Victoria.
MV Kalangala vessel operators declined to comment on the matter, saying it was the mandate of the Works and Transport ministry. Works ministry spokesperson Susan Kataike said the ministry would repair the pier but blamed the delay on bureaucracy involved in releasing government funds.
“We admit there is a problem but there is not much that can be done now unless we first secure money. We ask our people to bear with us and as soon as we secure the funds, we shall fix the problem,” Ms Kataike said by telephone yesterday.
The dock has since 2010 acted as the only place where MV Kalangala docks since it does not use the main one at Port Bell, Luzira.
