This is definitely a big plus for public safety. I wish Mrs. Konneh's team
and the entire Gambian population a safe and blessed Eid.

Malanding

Fire Service Issues Warning As Boat Overloading Persists



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The Daily Observer (Banjul)

December 3, 2002
Posted to the web December 3, 2002

Omar Bah
Banjul

The Fire and Ambulance Services have appealed to the general public to
exercise restraint while travelling between Banjul and Barra as the
"Koriteh" approaches.

In an interview with the Daily Observer, the Fire Service Public Relations
Officer, Haddy Konneh, said there is usually a high risk of maritime
disaster during the days when the prayer itself approaching as a lot of
people would be crossing over to Banjul for their shopping.

She said many people will also be crossing to Barra for the prayers. She
therefore warned boat owners to desist from the practice of overloading.

According to her, "most of the boat owners usually have problems with our
personnel stationed at the Barra sea bank who would not allow them to
overload their boats." "The new approach we are taking is to arrest such
boat owners and hand them over to the police because life is more important
than anything else." PRO Konneh also blamed it on the attitude of passengers
who would knowingly risk their lives boarding overloaded boats.

"Another problem is that most of them do not like to wear life jackets. They
complained that the life jackets are dirty. But how is that compared with
one's life? People should change their attitudes," PRO Konneh suggested.

She said her department has advised boat owners to be washing their life
jackets for easy usage by passengers.

Mrs Konneh pointed out that the Fire Service has a rescue boat at Barra,
which they have put on a 24-hour standby.

Mrs Konneh said the situation in the ferry loading system has improved and
now is impressive, as the ferries are allowed to carry a maximum of 400
passengers.



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