Residents angered by ferry officials’ recklessness
Mwanza. Residents in the city have criticized ferry authorities for not providing travellers with personal flotation devices, which are crucial during emergency situations such as when a vessel is sinking.
Speaking on the capsized MV Nyerere the residents faulted ferry attendants in the city for their recklessness in enforcing marine laws, saying that it was the reason many lives were not saved.
Egda Mugeta, who hails from Ukara Island, told The Citizen that because of such recklessness the government was losing manpower through such accidents with many professional that could have transformed the country.
Another resident, Selemani Kasimu, questioned why it was that when government officials, such as regional commissioners, were visiting boats they were provided with flotation devices but the same could not done for common citizens who used the vessel on a regular basis.
Kasimu also blamed passengers themselves for their indifference on marine safety as they normally did not ask for the safety devices from vessel authorities.
For more safety, Kasimu said: “Apart from offering e-tickets, there is also a need to list the names of travellers so as to avoid inconveniences when determining how many people used the vessel before an accident happened.”
Other residents here commended the government’s decision to announce a four-day national mourning but emphasized that it also needed to use the days to hasten investigations so that those responsible for the reckless tragedy are brought to justice.
