Dambai Residents Urge VRA to Repair Faulty Ferry Amid Stranded Passengers and Disrupted Trade
Residents and traders in Dambai are appealing to the Volta River Authority (VRA) to urgently repair a faulty ferry that has left countless passengers stranded and disrupted business operations. The ferry broke down on Sunday, February 16, 2025, at approximately 9:00 AM, coinciding with a market day and causing widespread inconvenience.
Charles Awuranyi, Assembly Member for Dambai Central, highlighted the severity of the situation, emphasizing the need for immediate action to restore normalcy.
Ferry Breakdown: A Major Disruption
The ferry malfunction occurred during a critical market day, leaving vehicles and passengers stranded on both sides of the Black Volta. This has severely impacted traders who rely on the ferry to transport goods and travelers commuting to towns like Karachi and Wulensi.
“The ferry got spoilt on Sunday, February 16, 2025, around 9 o’clock. Unfortunately, today is also a market day, and some of the cars from the other side to Dambai are stranded. The whole market is worried, and those traveling from Accra to Dambai to cross the lake are also stuck,” Awuranyi explained in an interview on Eyewitness News on Citi FM.
Economic Impact on Traders and Residents
The breakdown has dealt a significant blow to local commerce, as traders are unable to transport their goods to and from the market. Passengers traveling for work or personal reasons are also facing prolonged delays, further exacerbating the situation.
Awuranyi stressed the urgency of the matter, urging the VRA to act swiftly. “We are pleading with VRA to take note of this and solve the problem for us as soon as possible,” he said.
Limited Ferry Services: A Recurring Issue
The Dambai area relies on two ferries, but one has been out of service for several months. This has placed additional strain on the remaining ferry, which is now also out of commission.
“We have two ferries here; one got spoilt about three or four months ago, and we’ve been using only one. The workers are doing their best, but the ferry broke down, and that’s why things are not in order,” Awuranyi added.
For more information on the Volta River Authority’s operations, visit the official VRA website.
Call to Action: Urgent Repairs Needed
The community is calling on the VRA to prioritize the repair of the ferries to prevent further disruptions. The prolonged downtime of one ferry and the recent breakdown of the other have highlighted the need for better maintenance and contingency planning.
Local leaders and residents are urging the VRA to:
- Expedite repairs on the faulty ferry.
- Restore the second ferry to operational status.
- Implement a robust maintenance schedule to avoid future breakdowns.
Why This Matters for Dambai and Beyond
The ferry service is a lifeline for Dambai and surrounding communities, facilitating trade, travel, and daily activities. Prolonged disruptions not only inconvenience residents but also harm the local economy.
Restoring Normalcy for Dambai
The ferry breakdown in Dambai underscores the critical role of reliable transportation in supporting local economies and communities. Immediate action by the VRA is essential to restore services and prevent further hardship.
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