By Aminata Sanneh Information Officer, MOTWIE
The Minister for Transport, Works and Infrastructure Honorable Ebrima Sillah, has expressed satisfaction with the progress of works at the rehabilitation and re-engineering of the Kanilai Ferry during an inspection visit on Wednesday at the Banjul Shipyard.
The visit is part of a monthly routine inspection of the dry-docked Kanilai Ferry at the Banjul Shipyard aimed at assessing firsthand information about the ship’s rehabilitation and other works. It is also meant to address challenges of additional work that was not part of the original scope of work.
“I’m impressed with the progress of works, the level of professionalism as well as the added quality of work that was done which was not part of the original scope of work,” he said.
The Works Minister said he is optimistic that once the rehabilitation and re-engineering work is completed the Kanilai Ferry will be able to provide safe, convenient, reliable, and efficient Ferry Services.
“We are optimistic that once these works are completed it will be almost new just like the Kunta Kinteh Ferry,” he stated.
On his part, Mustapha Manjang, Senior Operations Manager Banjul Shipyard informed the Minister and his delegation that significant progress has been achieved by the staff working on the Kanilai Ferry. He said so far the slipping up, scrapping of the Ferry underwater area and chipping of the above-water line areas on the port side and starboard sides are all done.
Commenting on the sandblasting, Mr Manjangdisclosed that an area of 390 meters square of underwater area, sides, and primer painting of the blasted area is done.
Mr. Manjang explained that the cutting and gouging out of all damaged areas estimated at 244 meterssquare is completed. “The welding and fabrication of gussets are ongoing on the pile area before and after, the step deck area at the front and back of the ferry. The cutting and fabrication works on fender pipes are also in progress,” he revealed.
The Kanilai Ferry is expected to be back in the water offering Ferry services to the public in September 2024.
