By Saio Marrah
In an effort to reduce the hassle that commuters face catching the ferry in the Eastern part of Freetown, another ferry service owned by the government but run by a private entity, has resumed operations at Government Wharf in downtown Freetown, after a seven year break. The vessel named MV Bai Bureh took its maiden voyage from Government Wharf to the Tagrin terminal at Lungi across the Freetown Bay on Monday 9 August 2021.
Hassan Mansaray the Admin/ Sales Manager of Eterna Ship SL Limited which manages the vessel, told Politico that the resumption of service was as a result of President Julius Maada Bio’s interest in ensuring that sea transportation for all commuters to and from the Airport town of Lungi becomes easier.
He said MV Bai Bureh can carry 500 passengers and up to 60 vehicles and will sail twice a day for a start, from Sunday to Friday. He said departure from Government Wharf on a Monday is at 6 a.m. and 2 p.m., and on the other days, 8 a.m and 2 p.m, while departure from Tagrin is 8 a.m. and 11 a.m on Monday and 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. on the other days.
According to the current price list, the first class is Le 20,000 and the economy class is Le 12,000.
Mansaray said the vessel spends 45 minutes to and From Freetown covering a distance of 7.5 nautical miles.
He added that to ensure the safety of the passengers as well as the crew members, 600 life jackets, life rafts, life rings for any eventuality are onboard the vessel.
However, he said their current challenges include strong winds leading to consumption of more fuel, and that of a berthing obstacle at Tagrin in the form of a dredge that he said should be removed.
People across Freetown, especially in the central part have expressed delight over the resumption of the ferry service making it easier to access the Central Business District immediately from Lungi.
A man named Hassan said the ferry has immensely helped them because going to the central and western part of Freetown would no more stressful and would save them a lot of time.
‘The advantage of this MV Bai Bureh is 85 percent. When it takes you from Lungi, it takes you right into the town without any constraints, no traffic, hassle, but going from Kissy Ferry Junction to Targrin is a big deal,” he said.
Copyright © 2021 Politico Online
