The Malawi government has rejected a 33-metre supply vessel which the Malawi Shipping Company (MSC) had ordered for its Lake Malawi passenger services, arguing it does not meet the required standards.
Operated by Mota-Engil, the MSC planned to buy the vessel, which is based on the Damen Fast Crew Supplier 3307 offshore vessel concept. But the Malawi government argued that the vessel is not suitable for ferry passengers, nor does it offer suitable tourist-level comfort.
The MSC is operating the Lake Malawi water transport system and has a 35-year concession with the Malawi government. The company has replaced the defunct Malawi Lake Service, which was also operating some passenger and cargo vessels.
For a long time Malawians have been traveling on board the 'Ilala', the 'Mtendere' and the 'Chauncy Maples' to be ferried between different places. But these vessels are old and marine experts have warned that if they continue operating, they will cause disasters. The vessels need a lot of maintenance.
Currently the 'Ilala', which operates among different routes including that between Nkhata Bay district and Likoma and Chizumulo Islands has been grounded for safety reasons and is undergoing repair.
Because of these problems, the MSC wanted to purchase the ship costing about 4.2 million euros (USD5.47 million) to be operated as a shuttle and to provide passenger services on Lake Malawi.
The Marine Department said there was need for a bigger vessel to carry lots of cargo, especially between Nkhata bay and Chizumulo or Likoma Islands which is completely cut off from Malawi's main land due to lack of a proper marine transport system.
The suggested vessel, according to experts, offers no proper sanitation for expected passenger loads, as the vessel is said to have only one toilet but will have to carry around 150-200 passengers.
The lack of an emergency generator is also another concern for the Malawi government. Marine Services Director Lastone Makuzula told local journalists that the safety of Malawians was paramount while the Mota-Engil officials refused to comment on the issue.
The last time Malawi had marine disaster was in the 1940s when the 'Viphya' sank, killing over 150 passengers.
Raphael Mweninguwe
Image Source: Lukecf
