12 Feb 2017

Minister of Transport and Communications, Mr Kitso Mokaila says the pontoon at Kazungula Ferry Border has broken down 22 times since its commissioning in December 2011.
This was due to its size, its propulsion units and hulls operates at much deeper levels than the Zambian and Mohembo ones and as such they come into contact with floating submerged debris hence more breakdowns.
In response to a parliamentary question from MP for Chobe, Mr Machana Shamukuni on Wednesday, Mr Mokaila said because of its sheer size, when the water level in the river drops, the pontoon and the propellers touch the river banks before reaching the loading area thereby causing damages to the propellers.
He noted that this happens more on the Zambian side where the repairs of the ramp are not under control.
Mr Mokaila noted that there was no service contract between government and any other party for the pontoon. He further explained that ‘the pontoon is services regularly as required by Ali-Boats who are the manufacturers and sole dealership of the major components of the pontoon.’
The minister stated that the major components for the pontoon are only available from the USA and therefore take time to be sourced. “Major repairs are usually done in Cape Town by the designer of the pontoon who reviews damage and does modifications to try and avert future failures,” he said.
The ferry, he said, has generated a revenue of P23  million and incurred maintenance costs of P8 million   to date since its commissioning. It was procured in December 2010 at a value of P16 421 207.00
MP Shamukuni had asked the minister if he was aware of the frequent breakdown of the Botswana pontoon at Kazungula Ferry since its commissioning.
He also wanted the minister to state the pontoon’s procurement value, the number of times it had broken down ever since its commissioning. The minister was also asked if there was a service contract between government and any other party for the pontoon and the maintenance cost to date as compared to revenues generated. ENDS