The Kenya Ferry Service has launched the use of weighbridges for vehicles plying the Likoni Ferry Channel. The bridges became operational on Monday.
They are expected to improve safety and ferry services at the channel. The Sh18 million weighbridges on the island and Likoni mainland ramps are part of plans to regulate and monitor ferry capacity to improve safety.
All vehicles using the channel will undergo weight checks before being cleared to board the ferries.
Speaking to the Star at the channel yesterday, KFS customer relations officer Francis Mugomati said the weighbridges will reduce accidents at the channel.
In the past, overloaded trucks lost control after failed breaks and rammed into waiting ferries or into the ocean.
“We have introduced the weighing of trailers, lorries and other vehicles which use the ferry to ensure we know the capacity we are carrying. This will also help prevent accidents as most vehicles lose control due to over loading,” Mugomati said.
The channel has on several occasions been marred with ferry mishaps and accidents raising concern over the safety of ferry users.
In January, 4 people were killed at the channel after a lorry lost control and rammed into a ferry. The incidence also left 31 people injured. The lorry lost control after its brakes failed.
The accident led to a renewal of calls by ferry users for installation of weighbridges which would curb overloading by cargo trucks being lifted across the channel.
KFS took the initiative to put up the bridges.
Speaking to the Star on phone, KFS managing director Musa Hassan said the weighbridges have been put on test ahead of their commissioning.
“The facility is on testing to ensure it works properly before we officially commission it. We are doing our best to ensure ferry users get the best,” said Musa.
He warned that owners of overloaded trucks would be slapped with heavy fines which are yet to be decided.
Over loaded trucks have been blamed for damaging ferry prows when boarding, subjecting the vessels to frequent maintenance.
According to the MD, KFS spends more than Sh60 million annually to fully maintain and operate the current five ferries at the channel.
The project is also expected to increase revenue as vehicles will be paying according to their weight. Trailers are expected to pay a minimum of Sh7, 800 while salon cars will pay Sh90 shillings to be ferried across.
About 300,000 people and 6,000 vehicles are ferried between the island and the south coast mainland every day.