NASSIT Ferry Gets Rusty At Government Wharf: – NASSIT To Explain
The obsolete ferry which was bought by the National Social Security and Insurance Trust through what has been described by several Sierra Leoneans as a shady deal is said to have started getting rusty as it remains moored at the Government Wharf while frantic efforts are being made to cover up the corrupt act.
Investigations carried out by Sierra Express Media reveal the ferry, already named M.V. Bai Bureh is in a terrible condition and that it is not fit to take passengers. It has also been revealed that all insurance companies, both in Sierra Leone and abroad have refused to insure the ferry, with one senior insurer describing it as “a disaster waiting to happen.”
Although both NASSIT as well as the Sierra Leone Ports Authority are yet to come out with a statement about the M.V. Bai Bureh, it has been revealed that when the authorities went to buy two ferries, instead of taking along the qualified staff, including the local captains who usually pilot the ferries, they opted to do it alone with only senior officers, who have nothing to do with the technical aspects of running a ferry present.
“These people went there with no knowledge about how to operate an outboard motor boat not to talk of a ferry,” one insider in NASSIT stated under condition of anonymity. It has further been revealed that it was a calculated move by the officials to ensure that they have the chance to choose the type of vessels to bring back to Sierra Leone. It has also been discovered that instead of buying two ferries as expected, they bought the obsolete ferry and a small launch meant for river traffic.
It could be recalled that about six months ago, the National Social Security and Insurance Trust (NASSIT) made it known to each and every Sierra Leonean that they acquired to ply the airport route.
Director of NASSIT Mr. Gibril Sankoh who finally let the cat out of the bag said that the two vessels were bought in Holland based on advice from Sierra Leone Port Authority officials and some expatriate. The NASSIT boss however refused to either mention the name of the expatriate or give reasons as to his role in the deal. It has however been revealed that the expatriate is just a figment of their imagination to cover up their nefarious deal, sources have revealed.
The ferries were bought out of the need to ease the burden of transportation particularly from Lungi to Freetown.
Meanwhile it is has been reported that there is a huge hole in the ferry and that plans are underway to take the ferry to Senegal for repairs.
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