The residents of Lungi, Kaffu-Bullom and Lokomasama Chiefdoms have expressed serious concerns and disappointment over the speedy increment of ferry fare from five thousand Leone (5,000) to twenty-seven thousand Leones (27,000), from 2018 to the present.

They asserted that plying the Atlantic Ocean during this current season is extremely tough.

The Chairlady of Rotifunk Market, Madam Kadiatu Sesay disclosed that they are facing huge financial constraints to ferry from Lungi to Freetown every day as traders. She said that the government should put robust measures in place in order to prevent the crisis in Kaffu Bullom because the Chiefdom is one of the largest hubs of economic growth in the country, especially in the northwest.

The Chairlady added that the government should put systems in place to prevent traders and create better alternatives to ease the situation.

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“Using boats and water taxi is more risky during rainy season,” she said.

she also stated that the Ferry Management, stakeholders and donor partners should do the needful for the ordinary man.

The Paramount Chief of Kaffu Bullom Chiefdom, PC Bai Shebora the III said the Ferry Management should seek the interest of the people and also abide by the rules and regulations of the ferries at the moment as they are looking out for solutions, because the economic status in the country is highly challenging. The Paramount Chief noted that Sierra Leone’s economy is still problematic, and the transportation system is not encouraging.

Other sources claim that Mahera Ferry and others are making huge revenues, but the conditions of the ferries are appalling due to bad management over the years. However, an anonymous staff of Mahera and Bai Bureh Ferries explained their challenges with regard to the poor conditions of service, adding that plenty of workers are without letters of appointment and social security cards.