Passengers weary of paying high prices for basic goods aboard the Ilala ferry may finally have reason for cautious optimism.
Authorities say consultations are underway on the possible reduction of prices for essential commodities, particularly food items sold on the ferry, following persistent complaints that the current costs are too high for many passengers.
Member of Parliament for Likoma Islands Constituency, Charles Chilambula, has expressed optimism, saying the engagements with relevant authorities are progressing well and could eventually pave the way for lower prices for essential goods sold aboard the ferry.
Chilambula made the remarks in Likoma shortly after disembarking from the vessel, where he convened a meeting involving officials from Malawi Lake Services and the Department of Marine Services.
The meeting sought to address various concerns raised by passengers using the ferry service.
“I have been engaging the Director of Malawi Lake Services and the Minister of Transport so that we resolve these challenges. That is why I came here to directly speak with the people who elected me,” said Chilambula.
He added that discussions are ongoing, particularly regarding the reduction of prices for essential commodities such as food items sold on the ferry.
However, in a separate interview, Malawi Lake Services Director Joseph Sheketani Banda suggested that some of the price increases may be driven by ticket vendors rather than the company itself.
“Some of these individuals are used to making extra money from passengers, so they deliberately inflate prices to gain more,” Banda said.
He further advised passengers to promptly report any cases of inflated prices to the ferry captain for immediate action.
At the end of the engagement, Chilambula also donated two motorcycles to the district health office to support service delivery in the area.
On July 3, 2026 Residents of Likoma District on Friday held a peaceful demonstration and presented a petition to the District Commissioner, expressing concern over persistent water transport challenges and high cost of transporting goods on Lake Malawi.
