The much talked about horrible ferry conditions in the Gambia has lived up to its expectations by claiming one life and injuring several others. The Gambia ferry situation has made several headlines in the Gambian papers throughout last year. Despite the loud outcry and the false claims of new Ferries being commissioned between Banjul and Barra the disaster that many foresee coming hit home yesterday.
A fatal accident claimed to involved a truck in a Ferry full of passengers claimed one life and injured 13 others including a European Tourist. The injured were rushed to the near by teaching Hospital and reported to be nursing range of injuries from minor to critical. The passenger who died was not identified at the time of going to press.
The Ferry situation and the unfortunate disaster is what many Gambians consider plain negligence and irresponsibility on the side of the government. Any government could have responded positively and address the Ferry situation after loud cries were echoed by concerned citizens and passengers locally and internationally. Just last week an opposition politician O. J Jallow called on the Jammeh government to hold the authorities handling the Ferries accountable to its conditions and mode of operations. Little did we know that the inevitable disaster was to arrive sooner rather than later.
This Ferry Disaster is a classic case of irresponsible government which pretend to care about the people but does everything contrary to protecting the lives and security of Gambian citizens. The 27 year old ferries were commissioned as brand new Ferries costing millions of tax payer money. The government in stead of doing the right thing is busy protecting its image. It is yet another unfortunate incident that is clearly avoidable. In fact the country is lucky as the disaster could have been much worst with literally thousands of people bring jam packed in those Ferries at any given time.
The government owes the people the obligation to ensure that it does everything in its powers to protect the security and safety of citizens. Such disasters should not be happening especially when there are clear warning signs leading to the disaster. This administration at best displays clear negligence and incompetence in continue to handle the affairs of the state. It is hope that this situation will be addressed in the most urgent manner.