By Ireen Mseteka

Likoma, August 3, Mana: Water transport users in Likoma have expressed concern over the suspension of MV Ilala operations on Lake Malawi as it has to go for refit programme in Monkey bay.

Speaking in an interview Thursday, Director of Finance for Likoma District Council, Wilson Muziya said the suspension of the vessel will affect the council’s operations and transportation on the lake.

"Much as I appreciate that MV Ilala should go for service, transportation as well as our operations will be affected regardless that MV Chilembwe vessel will replace MV Ilala,

Almost 30 percent of our work is been done at the mainland. MV Ilala is the most reliable transport. But for it to continue operating, its maintenance is of more important for its effective and safe operations," said Muziya.

A business woman of Likoma, Ireen Mdewa who is a fish seller said her business will be affected in the absence of MV Ilala since MV Chilembwe capacity and space is limited to carter for larger quantities of goods.  

"I rely on Ilala to transport fish from Likoma to the mainland because it is the most reliable transport and it has adequate space.  In this case, I will have to halt my business until Ilala is back after being serviced," said Mdewa.

She said that she stands risking losing her fish if he uses other vessels apart from MV Ilala as her merchandise can easily be destroyed due to limited space.

Confirming the development, Spokesperson for Mota- Engil Malawi, Thomas Chafunya said the vessel will undergo refit programme which he said is a normal routine.

"The vessel will undergo a refit programme, it a normal routine service which every vessel under goes but I cannot say how long she will be out of the lake," said Chafunya.

According to Chafunya, MV Chilembwe is expected to replace MV Ilala's schedule effective this week.