By Aminata Sanneh
The Minister of Transport Works and Infrastructure Honorable Ebrima Sillah, has expressed satisfaction with the progress of the rehabilitation and re-engineering of the Kanilai Ferry, which is expected to complete by September 2024 The Minister was speaking during his visit last week at the Banjul Shipyard, as part of a monthly routine inspection of the dry-docked Kanilai Ferry at the Banjul Shipyard, aimed at accessing firsthand information about the ferry’s rehabilitation. It is also meant to address challenges as well as additional work that was not part of the original scope of work. “I am 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 affirmed. Mustapha Manjang, Senior Operations Manager at 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 the Ferry underwater area, chipping the above water line areas on the port side and starboard sides are all done. Commenting on the Sandblasting, Mr Manjang disclosed that an area of 390-meter square of underwater area and sides and primer painting of the blasted area is done. He added that the cutting and gouging out of all damaged areas, estimated at 244 meter square is completed. “The welding and fabrication of gussets are ongoing on pile area before and after, the step deck area at the front and back of ferry. The cutting and fabrication works on fender pipes are also in progress,” he revealed. The Kanilai Ferry is expected to back in the waters offering ferry services to the public in September 2024.
