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Twenty four dhows prohibited to sail
2007-08-12 10:34:44
By Amri Lugungulo, PST
The Surface Marine Transport Regulatory Authority (SUMATRA) has prohibited 24 dhows from sailing in the Indian Ocean for lack of safety gear and sea worthiness certificates.
The authority`s acting director -general, King Chiragi, told PST that three boats have been directed to improve services by fixing modern facilities as required.
He named the boats which would be allowed to sail after undergoing improvement as Mv Jojo, Mv Junubeen II and Mv Potwe Express.
The 24 dhows would not be allowed back until another critical inspection is conducted.
The condition of boats in Mafia island is even worse and highly risky to the lives of passengers.Most of them lack facilities like seats and manifests.
It has also transpired that the boats are meant to be cargo carriers.
Meanwhile, the director said the authority was now conducting seminars on awareness and sensitization in various regions to improve marine transport.
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