/ 2 September 2008

Ferry in troubled water

Robben Island’s brand new R26-million ferry, the Sikhulukile, was attached by the sheriff of the court last week just six months after it started operating.

Robben Island Management (RIM) allegedly still owes the Sikhulukile‘s manufacturer, Farocean and Marine, more than R3-million.

Two old boats have been recalled to duty to handle the huge daily tourist demand to visit Robben Island.

The beleaguered RIM-board held meetings this week to deal with this latest crisis, and is threatening to sue Farocean and Marine for allegedly delivering the ferry late and in a state of disrepair.

A source close to island said this week that the attachment of the ferry “is the last straw”.

“We’ve been trying to talk to Farocean because the ferry needed a lot of work and they delivered one year later than the contract states. Now, it’s gloves off. We’ll take them to court,” said the source, who cannot be named.

But a Farocean official, who also asked to remain anonymous, said RIM is “so badly managed” that Farocean does not believe it will be paid.

“RIM owes money to every Tom, Dick and Harry in town,” the source said. “The place is in shambles and they owe us money.

“Operationally the ferry we delivered was perfect, with all the problems sorted out.

“We believe that it is now time that we were paid.”