Sea travellers between DR Congo and Congo may have been stranded following the withdrawal Tuesday of the only ferry hauling them between Kinshasa and Brazzaville, their respective capital cities.
The ‘Matadi’ “Matadi” ferry, owned by DR Congo’s National Transport Office (ONATRA) and the only boat which ferries travellers on the Malebo river between Kinshasa and Brazzaville, was withdrawn for maintenance.
The travellers, mostly traders, are protesting the withdrawal.
But ONATRA authorities said the boat was withdrawn to enable them rehabilitate the ferry to avoid any possible accidents.
Inaugurated in 1973 (35 years ago), the “Matadi” ferry has sustained some damages which needs thorough repairs and maintenance.
The ferry has a capacity for 200 tonnes of load – including more than 10 high-tonnage vehicles, about 30 cars and more than 1,000 passengers – per trip.
