Malawi Plans Additional Ships to Ease Lake Malawi Congestion
The shortage of marine services has impacted entrepreneurs, particularly those transporting perishable goods, who have experienced losses due to damage caused by overcrowding on the current ferry.
LIKOMA ISLAND, Malawi - The Malawi government has announced plans to deploy additional ships on Lake Malawi, aiming to alleviate congestion and improve mobility for passengers and cargo, writes Mercy Phiri.
The move comes in response to growing demands for increased marine services, fueled by the burgeoning social and economic activity on Likoma and Chizumulu islands.
The current lone public vessel, MV Ilala, has been struggling to meet the increasing demand.
“This will serve for those who would need fast and emergency trips to the mainland while reducing the capacity burden on MV Ilala," said Transport and Public Works Minister Jacob Hara.
Hara confirmed that MV Chilembwe will soon begin operating between Nkhotakota, Nkhatabay, and Likoma islands.
Passengers should expect slightly higher fares, he said.
President Lazarus Chakwera is also expected to negotiate the procurement of a new ship during an upcoming trip to Germany.
The new vessel will be deployed to work alongside MV Ilala, further bolstering the country's marine capacity.
The shortage of marine services has impacted entrepreneurs, particularly those transporting perishable goods, who have experienced losses due to damage caused by overcrowding on the current ferry.
Senior Chief Mkumpha III of Likoma and Chizumulu islands has also highlighted the impact of insufficient marine mobility on the island district, citing delays in Admarc maize consignments from Nkhatabay as contributing to food shortages.
Meanwhile, MV Chilembwe, another Malawi vessel, has been idle at Monkey Bay for some time due to ongoing maintenance.