MV Malali to assist MV Sabanto on Parika-Supenaam route

With the MV Kanawan currently in dry dock for maintenance, the MV Malali has been dispatched to support the MV Sabanto in plying the Parika-Supenaam route.
The MV Kanawan was docked for five weeks of maintenance, commencing June 1.

In the meantime, the MV Sabanto was the only vessel plying the route but was struggling to keep up with the demand of passengers.
As a result, a decision was taken to deploy the MV Malali to assist.
This was disclosed by General Manager of the Transport and Harbours Department, Marcelene Merchant, according to a report from the Department of Public Information (DPI).
“The addition of the vessel will ensure the smooth movement of people and goods, especially that of farmers who depend on the vessel to support their livelihood. It is also a commitment made by Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill, who had assured that as the need arises, systems will be put in place to assist the MV Sabanto,” the report noted.
“The five o’clock schedule will be kept and the boat will be moving up and down the river in what is called a touch and go manner… should there be required additional support, we will have to use one of the side docking vessels either the MV Malali or the MV Makouria, especially to help with trucks and people if they are moving paddy or other heavy crops, one of those vessels would also be assisting,” the Minister had stated back in May.
Notwithstanding, the MV Sabanto has been making regular round trips with the first departure being at 05:00h and the final trip at 09:30h the latest. However, on a few occasions, the MV Sabanto departed at 21:00h and after midnight to ensure persons and businesses were not affected by the modified operations.