Hi, Guest
06-22-2006, 07:28 AM
Ferry malfunctions intolerable, mayor says
Last updated Jun 20 2006 11:33 AM NDT
CBC News
The mayor of a small island community off Newfoundland's south coast is demanding a more consistent ferry service.
Ramea, with a population of about 200, and the nearby communities of Burgeo and Grey River have been without a ferry connection since the weekend, when the Sound of Islay was taken out of service.
The 38-year-old ferry, one of the oldest in service in Newfoundland and Labrador, has had mechanical problems, and officials don't know when it will be fixed.
Mayor Lloyd Rossiter said this marks the second time in two weeks that the ferry has broken down, and is proof that work over the fall and winter did not succeed in fixing long-running problems.
"It's pretty clear that the necessary repairs to that boat just weren't done," Rossiter said.
"They're not fixing the problem. They're just fixing the gearbox ⦠It makes you feel like, you know, there's some people somewhere that don't care about those little outport communities," he said.
"I can understand his frustration," said Cluney Mercer, assistant deputy minister of transportation.
"A lot of us here in the department are frustrated as well."
The Newfoundland and Labrador government operates 19 ferries, with an average age of about 33 years.
Mercer said the Sound of Islay has had a number of serious problems. He said the work this winter replaced an engine, and is not related to current maintenance problems with gears.
The transportation department, which is responsible for coastal ferry services, says another vessel will take on responsibility for passenger and freight service.
The department will also provide helicopter service, if warranted, until repairs have been completed.
Last updated Jun 20 2006 11:33 AM NDT
CBC News
The mayor of a small island community off Newfoundland's south coast is demanding a more consistent ferry service.
Ramea, with a population of about 200, and the nearby communities of Burgeo and Grey River have been without a ferry connection since the weekend, when the Sound of Islay was taken out of service.
The 38-year-old ferry, one of the oldest in service in Newfoundland and Labrador, has had mechanical problems, and officials don't know when it will be fixed.
Mayor Lloyd Rossiter said this marks the second time in two weeks that the ferry has broken down, and is proof that work over the fall and winter did not succeed in fixing long-running problems.
"It's pretty clear that the necessary repairs to that boat just weren't done," Rossiter said.
"They're not fixing the problem. They're just fixing the gearbox ⦠It makes you feel like, you know, there's some people somewhere that don't care about those little outport communities," he said.
"I can understand his frustration," said Cluney Mercer, assistant deputy minister of transportation.
"A lot of us here in the department are frustrated as well."
The Newfoundland and Labrador government operates 19 ferries, with an average age of about 33 years.
Mercer said the Sound of Islay has had a number of serious problems. He said the work this winter replaced an engine, and is not related to current maintenance problems with gears.
The transportation department, which is responsible for coastal ferry services, says another vessel will take on responsibility for passenger and freight service.
The department will also provide helicopter service, if warranted, until repairs have been completed.