The Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) has announced the temporary closure of the Nakasongola-Amolatar ferry service.
However, John B. Ssejemba, Director of Road Infrastructure Protection at UNRA, explained that the authority initially detected a minor fault in the power transmission system, which later revealed more serious technical difficulties, ultimately rendering the ferry non-functional.
This decision, according to a statement released on Friday, comes after significant mechanical failures were identified in both Kyoga Ferry 1 and Kyoga Ferry 2 operating on the Zengebe-Namasale route.
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“A while ago, Kyoga 2 Ferry had a mechanical failure in one of its power transmission systems. The required spare part was sourced abroad and was recently fixed. However, in the process of fixing this part, it was further established that there is another component part in the lower gearbox that is also faulty and requires replacement to guarantee the safety of using this vessel,” said Ssejemba.
Ssejemba said the authority is currently in the process of ordering a replacement for the faulty part, which has left the Kyoga 2 Ferry grounded. The Zengebe-Namasale Ferry Route will be closed between July 22nd and August 11th, 2024.
“The Kyoga 1 Ferry, which has been in use, is now experiencing leakages in several of its pontoons, making it unsafe for continued operation. Given this condition, we are currently faced with an unfortunate situation where we are compelled to ground this ferry as well in order to rectify the leakages before it can be safely put back to use.”
This saw an increase in traffic along Lira-Amolatar Road and Lira-Apac Road, which solely rely on ferry services to connect to western Uganda. Currently, commuters have been advised to use the alternative route through Kampala-Mbale-Soroti-Dokolo-Amolatar during this period.
In conclusion, the temporary closure of the ferry service, according to the statement, is aimed at ensuring the safety of all passengers and the structural integrity of the vessels. The complete temporary closure of the ferry services comes months after the closure of Karuma Bridge, which the authorities say had developed cracks requiring major repairs.
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