Charges could spark price hikes, hit river in livelihoods – Orealla-Siparuta Toshao warns – Suriname-imposed Corentyne River fees

The imposition of fees for vessels using the Corentyne River could trigger a “chain reaction” of rising costs affecting livelihoods in riverain communities, according to Toshao of Orealla-Siparuta, Laurence Vandenburg, who warned that the move stands to impact everything from transportation to the price of sand and lumber in Orealla and Siparuta. Vandenburg explained that even before the issue was publicly raised by President Dr Irfaan Ali, operators along the coast had already begun feeling the effects, with sand dealers contacting him after being informed by Surinamese authorities that fees would be applied to vessels transporting sand along the Corentyne River. He said those businesses immediately signalled concern, noting that any additional cost per trip would affect their operations and profit margins.

According to Vandenburg, the introduction of the fees is likely to set off a ripple effect across the supply chain, as businesses seek to offset increased transportation costs. He explained that coastal operators have already begun requesting reductions in the price per tonne of sand, a move that would place pressure on suppliers in Orealla and Siparuta, and ultimately affect the wider market.
“It will have a long chain reaction,” he said, warning that the impact would extend beyond individual businesses to consumers and communities. He noted that the effects would also be felt in the transportation sector within the villages, where residents rely heavily on boat services to travel along the river. Vandenburg, who operates a boat service himself, explained that current fares range between $3,500 and $5,000, and any increase in operating costs would inevitably be passed on to passengers. “If my expense goes up, that means the fee for passengers will have to go up also,” he said, noting that such increases would place additional strain on residents already trying to manage daily expenses. For communities such as Orealla and Siparuta, he stressed, the Corentyne River is not just a route for commerce but a vital link for transportation and daily life, with residents depending on it to access goods, services and opportunities beyond the villages. As such, any additional cost imposed on its use would have far-reaching consequences for both businesses and ordinary residents. Vandenburg explained that the added fees could significantly increase the cost of key materials coming out of the riverain communities, particularly sand and lumber. He noted that sand is currently sold at about $2,500 to $2,600 per tonne, but warned that with the imposition of fees, that price could climb to $3,000 or more as operators absorb higher transportation costs. He added that lumber prices are already elevated, with certain species selling for over $300, and cautioned that any additional charges on vessels would further drive up prices across the construction sector, affecting builders and consumers alike.
He further explained that the impact would extend to workers in the backdam, including those involved in sand extraction and logging, whose livelihoods depend on the movement of these resources along the river. Vandenburg noted that for communities like Orealla and Siparuta, income generated from sand production, particularly white sand, plays a key role in sustaining village operations, making it difficult to simply reduce prices to absorb additional costs. “We won’t be able to lower our price… it’s a village we’re running,” he said, pointing out that the revenue supports community needs and services. Vandenburg also warned that enforcement by Surinamese authorities could further complicate the situation, noting that operators who fail to comply with the new requirements risk having their vessels detained. He described the authorities as strict in their oversight of river activities, cautioning that such measures could disrupt operations for those transporting goods along the Corentyne River. He has since called for engagement between the Governments of Guyana and Suriname to address the issue, emphasising the importance of maintaining strong business relations between the two countries. Vandenburg warned that the implications could be felt across multiple sectors, from transportation to construction, as well as by ordinary residents who rely on the river for their daily needs, underscoring the urgency of finding a balanced and mutually beneficial solution.