Water transportation crisis between Misori in Siaya and Mbita in Homabay County is expected to ease after stakeholders in the region joined hands to purchase sh. 2 million fibre speed boat.
Speaking during the launch of the speedboat at Misori Beach, Misori Beach stakeholder’s vice chairman Maurice Owino said the introduction of the speedboatwill revive the Misori-Mbita route which has remained dormant despite its immense potential.
Owino said that traders and commuters from Misori areas heading to Mbita have been forced to travel 15 km away to Lwanda Kotieno to use the ferry which is not only an expensive affair but also affects overall economic growth of Misori Beach.
Currently ferry services at Lwanda Kotieno or Water bus services at Asembo bay which are both miles away from Misori, provides the only options for travellers and traders crossing the lake over to Homabay County.
Attempts to have the existing ferry serve the two main beaches of Lwanda Kotieno and Misori were brought to abrupt stop after traders and public services vehicle operators at Lwanda Kotieno held demonstrations against the inclusion of the new Misori route fearing they would lose customers and affect their already established businesses.
Owino disclosed that the introduction of the speedboaton the Misori-Mbita route is only the beginning of improvements of water transport services in the region revealing that they have already made requests to the government to consider availing ferry services on Misori-Mbita route to boost transportation and trade.
George Ochieng Rai, the chairman of Misori Beach Management Unit, said the new fibre speedboatwill triple services along the route as the only existing wooden boat plying the route can only make one trip a day making it unattractive for both commuters and business people.
Ochieng stated that besides easing transport crisis, the fibre speedboat, which uses modern technology in water transportation is both safe, reliable, quick and affordable making it efficient for both commuters and traders crossing Lake Victoria.
He also observed that the revival of the route will not only promote tourism and commerce among the two counties but also create job opportunities along the beaches.
The BMU chair urged stakeholders in the water transport sector region to shun unnecessary wrangles and instead focus on promoting the sector which has huge potential for the benefit of all.
Joy Akelo, a businesswomanat Misori, Aiphonce Odanga a PSV operator and Elly Ouko a bodaboda rider expressed gratitude following the launch of the speedboat, saying the expected increase in customers on the route will boost their businesses.
By Brian Ondeng
