Public Works Ministry moves to inspect T&HD vessels

– as Edghill declares no-tolerance policy on negligence within department

Within a day after a meeting with senior staff of the Transport and Harbours Department (T&HD), Minister within the Ministry of Public Works Madanlall Ramraj on Saturday inspected several vessels at the Parika Ferry Stelling.
The early-morning visit saw the Minister aboard several vessels: the MV Sabanto roll-on/roll-off (RoRo), the MB Sandaka, and the MV Makuria vessels. He was accompanied by T&HD Board Member Louise Williams, representatives from the T&HD, the Stelling Superintendent, and the captains and crew of the respective vessels.

During the visit, Minister Ramraj indicated that several immediate measures would be implemented to ensure the vessel continues to operate efficiently and reliably. He emphasised that these interventions are essential to maintaining smooth service delivery and minimising disruptions to commuters and trade activities.
“We are focused on ensuring that the Sabanto remains fully functional and continues to serve the people efficiently. This maintenance effort is necessary to sustain smooth operations and maintain public confidence in the ferry service,” the Minister stated.
The Sabanto is one of two RoRo vessels – along with the Kanawan – that operate the Parika to Supenaam route in Region Two. Together, the vessels facilitate the movement of passengers, vehicles, and essential supplies for commerce and daily life. The service operates four return trips daily and five on Mondays and Saturdays.
The inspection revealed that critical maintenance works are set to begin on the Sabanto RoRo vessel to improve efficiency on the Parika–Supenaam route.

Upgrading the ferry experience
In addition to technical and maintenance improvements, Minister Ramraj highlighted that several passenger-focused upgrades are planned for the Sabanto and other vessels. These include enhanced seating, upgraded washroom facilities, and other user-friendly amenities designed to improve comfort and boost tourism appeal.
“Our goal is to make the ferry service not just reliable but also comfortable and attractive to passengers. We’re working to raise the standard of public transport on our waterways,” Minister Ramraj added.
Along with the inspections, the Minister also received a status update on the Hercules vessel from T&HD officials.
He was briefed on ongoing maintenance schedules and dedicated cleaning arrangements, which rotate weekly to maintain hygiene and cleanliness standards aboard all vessels.
As part of the Government’s ongoing efforts to enhance the ferry experience, Minister Ramraj also discussed several planned upgrades to improve passenger comfort and appeal, including improved seating, upgraded washroom facilities, and other user-friendly, tourism-focused amenities.
Each vessel currently has a dedicated cleaning arrangement with a weekly rotation to maintain hygiene and cleanliness standards aboard.
The Government had instituted a strict no-tolerance policy for the mismanagement of vessels under the T&HD, as it moves to tighten oversight, improve safety standards, and strengthen accountability across the maritime sector.

Meeting to address ongoing issues
The announcement followed a high-level meeting held on Friday afternoon between Minister of Public Works Bishop Juan Edghill and Minister within the Ministry Madanlall Ramraj with senior staff of the T&HD at the Ministry’s boardroom.
According to the Ministry, the meeting aimed to address a series of ongoing issues affecting the department’s vessels, including the maintenance of equipment, safety inspections, and onboard living conditions. The Ministers also discussed emerging concerns about potential acts of sabotage that could undermine operational efficiency and passenger safety.
Both Ministers Edghill and Ramraj had expressed concern over the recurrence of technical and administrative lapses, calling on senior staff to account for the state of operations and to present immediate solutions.
Emerging from the meeting were a number of new measures, effective immediately, designed to improve performance and ensure greater compliance across the fleet.
These included mandatory inspections with routine engine servicing, supported by a new operational checklist to ensure passenger safety; enhanced maintenance procedures with strict adherence to maritime safety regulations; and heightened regulatory standards for operators, including random testing for alcohol and drug use among boat captains and crew.
Minister Edghill had emphasised that the implementation of these measures signalled the Government’s firm stance on safety, accountability, and efficiency within the T&HD.
“We cannot and will not tolerate negligence or mismanagement. These vessels carry people’s lives every day, and ensuring their safety and reliability must remain a top priority,” the Minister had said.
He further reiterated that the Ministry remains committed to ensuring that all vessels operate at the highest standards of safety and service, consistent with national regulations and international maritime practices.
The initiative forms part of a broader Government effort to reform and regulate the transportation sector, ensuring that public trust and operational integrity are maintained across Guyana’s waterways.
Minister Ramraj’s Saturday visit underscored the Government’s commitment to ensuring that all operational issues are addressed and that the ferry service remains dependable for residents and businesses alike.
The Ministry of Public Works has said that it continues to advance major transformation initiatives within the maritime transport sector, ensuring safer, more efficient, and passenger-orientated services across Guyana’s waterways.