Likoma legislator Charles Chilambula (Democratic Progressive Party) has intervened to address widespread complaints about overcharging and unreliable water transport services affecting the islanders.
Following a public meeting with residents and transport authorities on Saturday, he confirmed that official transport tariffs are being disregarded, with passengers and traders paying inflated prices for travel and cargo.
“We have seen that the official prices are reasonable, but what people have been paying on the ground is different,” said Chilambula, who vowed to continue engaging Malawi Lake Services to review charges on basic commodities.
The meeting, which included officials from the Marine Department and Malawi Lake Services, was organised by the MP after months of receiving complaints from his constituents.
Chilambula, who is also Deputy Minister of Health and Sanitation, said he already engaged Minister of Transport and Public Works Jappie Mhango and other stakeholders to find a solution.
Malawi Lake Services chief executive officer Joseph Banda used the platform to urge passengers to report overcharging directly to his office, stating that no formal complaints were received so far.
He also pledged to make the approved tariff list publicly available to ensure transparency.
“We are not present at every point where payments are made. So, we depend on passengers to report anything that is contrary to the approved charges,” said Banda.
Addressing a separate issue of safety and legality, Captain Peter Kajadu of the Marine Department announced that his office will assist local boat operators in meeting licensing requirements.
