Ilala suspends services on Lake Malawi

People of Likoma District have expressed concern with the suspension of MV Ilala on Lake Malawi as it undergoes refit services in Monkey Bay, Mangochi.

In its absence, MV Chilembwe, a smaller ship, will offer transport services to people along the lakeshore and the two islands of Likoma and Chizumulu.

Speaking in an interview on Thursday, a businessperson Ireen Mdewa, who sells fish, said her business will be affected in the absence of the water vessel.

She said MV Chilembwe has limited space to cater for larger quantities of goods.

“I depend 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,” said Mdewa.

Likoma district director of finance Wilson Muziya also said the suspension will affect the council’s operations and transportation on the lake.

He said: “Much as I appreciate that MV Ilala should go for service, transportation and our operations will be affected regardless that MV Chilembwe will replace MV Ilala.

“Almost 30 percent of our work is done at the mainland. MV Ilala is the most reliable mode of transport. But for it to continue operating, its maintenance is important.”

Mota-Engil Malawi spokesperson Thomas Chafunya confirmed the vessel will undergo refit programme which he said is a normal routine.

“The refit programme is a normal routine service which every vessel undergoes, but I cannot say how long she will be out of the lake,” he said.

Chafunya said MV Chilembwe is expected to replace MV Ilala’s schedule from this week.

Besides using ships, people of Likoma also use boats to travel to the mainland. However, people use the boats with caution as they are prone to accidents