The newly acquired MV Safari has eased the perennial vehicular and human traffic congestion at the Likoni ferry in Mombasa and allowed for adequate social distancing in the face of coronavirus (covid-19).
Likoni sub county Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) Francis Kazungu said before the new marine vessel arrived from Turkey last month enforcing social distancing at the vital crossing channel has been a nightmare for the authorities.
Kazungu who spoke to KNA in his office Friday said there were no more excuses from the residents as to why they do not observe social distancing which is a key intervention measure in curbing the spread of the viral disease.
He said ferry riders used to struggle to maintain a safe social distance during the ongoing covid-19 pandemic but MV Safari has alleviated the problem.
The sub county administrator said multiagency teams comprised of the police and Kenya Coast Guard Service (KCGS) personnel are stationed at the channel that connects Mombasa Island to the mainland south to enforce social distancing.
He said announcements are being made by Kenya Ferry Service (KFS) personnel in the terminals urging the ferry users to be more conscious of social distancing particularly during the boarding and unboarding process.
Kazungu said KFS have installed hand-washing stations at both sides of the crossing channel as a preventative measure against the contagious coronavirus.
He implored the ferry riders to play their part in preventing the spread of the virus and support the safeguards being taken in the wake of the global outbreak.
At the same time, the DCC said the ongoing National Hygiene Progarmme (NHP) dubbed Kazi Mtaani has helped reduce crime in the region as many idle youth were hired to work in the project.
He attributed the gradual crime decline to the youth empowerment programme which has enlisted over 3,000 youth in the sub county where they earn Sh.650 per day.
The deputy county commissioner also said 6,000 people from poor households receive monthly cash transfers as a social assistance response to covid-19 and that the figure will from next month rise to 9,000 beneficiaries.
By Hussein Abdullahi
New Ferry Ease Congestion at Busy Crossing Channel
