Guyana-Suriname ferry out of service

The MV Canawaima Ferry (MoPI photo)

The MV Canawaima Ferry has encountered technical issues and will not ply the Moleson Creek, Guyana – Nickerie, Suriname route in the coming days to facilitate the necessary rehabilitation works.
The services of the ferry were officially suspended on Monday until further notice.
Public Infrastructure Minister, David Patterson told Guyana Times that the vessel was being powered by a tug for some time now which has encountered some issues.
“It was being powered by a tug for quite some while and the Surinamese, they have to conduct some repairs because the tug, of course, developed some problems yesterday (Sunday) so we are looking at alternative methods right now,” he explained.
The Minister noted that the Ministry will work hard to ensure that an alternative is put in place as soon as possible. He was unable to say how much the rehabilitation project would cost since the Surinamese, he said, will be responsible for rectifying the issues.
Patterson noted, “The Surinamese have quotations we don’t have it. As part of the agreement, they have to pay for those so it being done from their side…but we are hoping to resume services as soon as possible”.
He was also unable to say how long the service would be down given the fact that Surinamese will be working on the boat.
Meanwhile, Terminal Manager Gale Culley-Greene is quoted by the Department of Public Information (DPI) as saying that the Canawaima Ferry has been experiencing mechanical difficulties for some time and a decision was taken to have the vessel assessed and repaired.
She further disclosed that if the Canawaima Ferry is docked, a replacement vessel would be sourced. The matter is engaging the attention of both Guyanese and Surinamese authorities.
Persons who would like more information on the ferry service can contact 339-2744/ 339-2787 for more information.
The Canawaima Ferry Service Inc was introduced to Guyana on October 28, 1998, under the Companies Act Number 29 of 1991 of the Laws of Guyana. It is jointly owned by the Governments of Guyana and Suriname as each country owns 50 per cent of the issued share capital.
Just recently the Government spent some $488 million to rehabilitate the MV Kimbia which serviced communities along the Berbice River and the North West District.
Only two years ago, the Government’s Department of Public Information (DPI) reported that major upgrades were ongoing at the Guyana-Suriname ferry service.
Minister within the Public Infrastructure Ministry, Annette Ferguson had told the DPI that those included repairs to the manager’s office and VIP lounge, removal of vents and installation of doors, removal of windows, repairs to the washroom and waiting area and some other works in the canteen and waiting area.
The project, which commenced on May 30, 2017, was executed to the tune of $9.2 million by Kascon Engineering Services from Region Six.