After returning from a visit to Cochin Shipyard Limited along with his colleagues, the river navigation minister recently said the waterways transportation can be improved in Goa by adopting modern technology. But today, the ferry system in the State is sinking and crying for maintenance. Several islands around Tiswadi are dependent on ferry transport. On Tuesday, a section of the media reported that the Ribandar-Chorao ferryboat is being towed from the middle of river Mandovi due to a diesel shortage. Citizens stated that such incidents are the order of the day. They said the ferryboat either breaks down or stops due to a diesel shortage. Incidentally, this is a new ferryboat added to the fleet. Who is responsible for checking the fuel levels in the ferryboat? Leaving the citizens stranded due to a diesel shortage is unacceptable. The government had promised to improve the ferry network, but such cases raise questions about whether the assurances will see the light of day. Instead of promising new waterways transport systems, the government must focus on the current problem plaguing the citizens dependent on ferryboats.
