No ferries, now what? [1]
Saturday, January 30, 2010 - 05:45. Updated on Sunday, December 15, 2013 - 16:58.
Editor,
Both the MV Pulupaki and the MV Punalei are now tied up at the wharf here in Pangai, Ha'apai.
The report from crew members of the MV Punalei is that "It almost sank" before the MV Pulupaki towed it into Ha'apai. It appears that there are serious problems with this vessel.
Since the retirement of the MV Olovaha, and the sinking of the MV Princess Ashika, the people of Ha'apai now depend upon the MV Pulupaki for the delivery of most of our food and other supplies. We also depend upon the MV Punalei for our supply of diesel and benezine.
Now . . . It appears that the MV Pulupaki will not be permitted to return to Nuku'alofa and continue in service as a cargo carrying vessel. Furthermore, the MV Punalei appears to be disabled.
So what now? Are the people of Ha'apai, Vava'u, and the Niuas to be without food and fuel supplies?
I know that some local business people are actively seeking "alternatives" to meet the demand for food, fuel and supplies, but they are individual solutions, and not sufficient to satisfy the needs of the greater population. Air transport is extremely expensive, and is not a viable alternative.
We, here in Ha'apai, can't wait for final construction and delivery of a new cargo vessel from Japan. We need groceries, fuel, and mail delivered next week.
Does the government, or private industry, or maybe Santa Claus, have a solution to this problem?
We hope and pray.
Regards,
Paul Kidd
a35rk [at] yahoo [dot] com