The government has had to stop operating the Moulmein to Bilu Gyun Island ferry service after the ferries were declared unsafe, this has caused transport difficulties to the inhabitants of Chaungzone Township on the island.
The ferry service was halted after the Water Transportation Direction Department checked all the domestic ferry boats in the country. It found that the ferry boats on the Moulmein to Bilu Kyun route were not fit for purpose. The ferry service, which was run by the Thanlwin Sub-Department of Domestic Sea Transportation (Moulmein), stopped operating on 1 May.
U Hla Win Naing, the assistant general manager of the Thanlwin Sub-Department of Domestic Sea Transportation said: " Last 27 April they came to check our Thanlwin Sub-Department. We have had to stop running boats going to Natmaw and to Ka-welain. To make it safer for people using the motor-boats we rent life jackets to the privately owned motor-boats."
The sudden halting of the ferry service has caused locals problems, especially those that live on Bilu Kyun.
Dr. Aung Naing Oo, a State Hluttaw (parliament) representative said: “It is more difficult for locals, especially during this rainy period. If they [the government] had informed us that they were stopping the ferry operation in advance, then locals would have been able to prepare for it. But because they stopped it right away, it is difficult for locals to cross to and from [Bilu Kyun Island].
He said that though there are motor-boats substituting as ferries, it is difficult to transport building materials, motor vehicles and other goods on them.
Daw Tin Mya, Kamar Moe a villager from Chaungzone Township said: “Now demand for the ferryboats is high. It is safe for ferryboats to take both those who are transporting goods and passengers. I feel that even though the motor-boats may be sound, I do not trust them. Because the boat is small, it cannot transport goods or other heavy things."
He added that the fares for the motorboats are higher than those for the ferry and the motorboats can only take a few people. It is also dangerous because it is the rainy season and the motor-boat operators don't tell the passengers to wear life jackets or give them instructions on how to use them.
It is planned to recommence the service in the first week of June with an upgraded ferry and two other ferries for transporting goods will start operating in early August.
Edited in English for BNI by Mark Inkey
