MANY Malaitans who have been hoping to return to Honiara this week after spending Christmas and New Year in their home villages in Malaita are facing challenges due to high demand for shipping services for the Auki-Honiara route.
Last weekend, many passengers who were expecting to travel back to Honiara found themselves stranded in front of Auki Wharf after the MV Pelican and Auki Express left early at 6am for Honiara.
The vessel’s early departure left those who already purchased tickets to travel on that trip but arrived after 6am frustrated.
By early yesterday, a large crowd gathered at Auki Wharf, waiting for the next available ship to Honiara.
The situation caused frustration and anxiety for many who were eager to return to Honiara as early as possible to resume work and business activities.
One Malaitan, Nicolas Mae, who was amongst those stranded, spoke about the challenges he and others faced while trying to board ships.
He pointed out that the two fast crafts currently serving the Honiara-Malaita route are unable to cope with the high demand for shipping services by holidayers wanting to return to Honiara.
“The demand from people wanting to travel back to Honiara is high and these vessels need to make multiple trips a day to accommodate everyone.
“The normal schedules of the MV Auki Express and Pelican Express are not enough to meet the demand, especially after the busy Christmas period,” he said.
Mr Mae added that the Honiara-Auki route requires larger vessels to handle the significant number of travelers during the holiday periods.
He therefore urged the management of the two shipping services to consider adjusting their schedules to meet the increased demand during festive times.
By SOLOMON LOFANA
Solomon Star, Auki
