Marine Department wants MV Chambo on Lake Malawi

Marine Department has written Mozambican authorities requesting the resumption of MV Chambo services on Lake Malawi to address transport challenges people from Likoma are facing.

The development follows the suspension of MV Ilala on September 2 due to a sit-in by Malawi Shipping Company workers who are demanding a wage increase.

A letter dated September 12 and signed by Marine Service director John Mhango, said people of Likoma, Chizumulu and Nkhata Bay need urgent help.

Reads the letter in part: “The withdrawal of MV Chambo on Lake Malawi has escalated the use of unsafe boats in Likoma, Chizumulu as well as  Nkhata Bay, and Cobue on the Mozambican side.

“Such prevailing situation has forced Malawi Marine Department to seek resumption of MV Chambo as earliest as possible.”

In a separate interview, Sub-Traditional Authority Mwase commended government for the decision.

He said: “Our situation is sad, but any solution in the interim will be acceptable.

“However, we ask government to address MV Ilala workers’ grievances as soon as possible.”