Private boat owners in Garissa and Madogo have now been granted permission to ferry people across the flooded Garissa – Madogo road under police supervision.
According to Bangale Deputy County Commissioner Mr Joseph Kipkorir the private boats now operating in the area are supposed to carry only 10 people at a time at a fee of Sh200 only.
The operators of the boats must also provide safety jackets for their passengers and on the other hand those who wish to cross to either side must register their details to a command centre set up at the ground before being allowed to board the boats.
“We have given priority to the 23 persons who were rescued from the boat that capsized. Further, those set to travel to Wajir or other areas within Garissa County but got stuck are also allowed to go now,” Kipkorir said.
“There are also public servants here who work in Garissa and police officers, or those who have emergencies to attend to. We are currently allowing only these groups to go through,” he added.
Previously, the boats were overloading and charged at least Sh 1500. The operators also ignored the life safety jackets requirement.
Meanwhile, three boats from the Kenya Coast Guard, The Kenya Red Cross and the Tana River County government are still searching for the bodies of the victims who died in the recent boat accident. So far, 7 bodies have been recovered while at least 6 others are still missing.
Yesterday, the Principal Secretary for ASALs and Regional Development Mr Kello Harshama who spoke in Madogo said that the government will support Kenyans affected by the ongoing floods with relief food.
By Erick Kyalo
