By Ireen Mseteka

Likoma, June 4, Mana: Members of Parliamentary Committee on Transport and Public Infrastructure, says it is impressed with progress of construction works of Likoma Jetty.

Speaking Tuesday after visiting the construction site, chairperson for the committee, Enock Phale said the committee was impressed to note that the project has additional scopes and that the structure would not be a jetty but a port.

“It will be called a port because of the additional scopes such as the passenger bay, waiting places and other additional structures that have been added.

It’s unfortunate that the project that started in 2018 delayed for the reasons best known by the leadership then, but we are happy with the current leadership that has put a lot of interest in making sure that this Jetty is completed and becomes operational,” said Phale.

He said once, completed, the infrastructure will ease some challenges which customers currently face when embarking and disembarking vessels.

Principle Secretary responsible for administration in the Ministry of Transport and Public Works, Madalo Nyambosi said the project faced a lot of challenges, hence its delay in completion.

She among other challenges cited erratic funding, rising water levels culminated by washing away of one of the machines.

 “This was supposed to be an 18-month project, so we have shared the challenges with the committee and we are pleased that they have promised to lobby for the required resources,” said Nyambosi.

Speaking on behalf of Likoma District Council, Chief Education Officer for Likoma, Zimulange Mhango said the committee’s tour to the site was an assurance to the council that the project would be completed soon.