Nishar Mohammed
Bambooflat, Jan 27: A large-scale public protest erupted this morning at Bambooflat Jetty area as residents from Bambooflat and adjoining areas gathered to demand immediate resolution of long-pending ferry and jetty-related issues that have severely affected daily life. The protest, which began around 7 a.m., witnessed participation from men, women, elderly persons, students, patients and workers, reflecting widespread public distress.
The agitators raised strong slogans against the administration and concerned departments, demanding that the new constructed vehicle ferry jetty near Chatham PS be made operational without further delay. Protesters alleged that despite a successful trial conducted earlier, the jetty had remained unused for years, forcing passengers to walk long distances under harsh weather conditions to access ferry services.
Speakers highlighted that the problem disproportionately affects poor residents, daily wage labourers, fishermen, elderly women, pregnant women, students and patients requiring regular medical treatment such as dialysis. They claimed that people without personal vehicles face extreme hardship, particularly during rains and peak hours, and accused the administration of being insensitive to ground realities.
As the protest intensified, demonstrators blocked movement of ferry vehicles and announced a road blockade, stating they would not disperse until senior officials arrived with concrete assurances. Protest leaders clarified that the agitation was not driven by any single organisation but was a collective voice of the local population.
Later in the day, officials from the Sub-Divisional Administration, Directorate of Shipping Services (DSS), Port Management Board and other departments arrived at the protest site. A detailed discussion followed between officials and representatives of the protesters. Officials informed that safety concerns had been raised during the trial run, including jetty movement and the absence of certain fittings such as bollards and fenders.
The administration stated that technical assessments were underway and assured that required infrastructure works would be expedited. Officials requested additional time to complete safety checks and procure necessary materials, some of which need to be sourced from outside the Islands.
After prolonged negotiations lasting several hours, officials assured that the matter would be addressed on priority and that efforts were being made to operationalise the jetty at the earliest. A tentative timeline of 15 to 20 days was conveyed for resolving the technical and safety issues.
Based on these assurances, protest leaders announced a temporary suspension of the agitation but warned that the movement would resume in a stronger form if commitments were not honoured within the promised timeframe. The protest concluded in the late afternoon by 3.30 p.m., with participants reiterating that their struggle was solely for public convenience and dignity.
