Recent changes in the schedule of the MV Malali, which plies the Adventure to Parika route in the Essequibo have not gone down well with commuters, though officials say the changes are absolutely necessary.
Officer in charge at the Adventure Ferry Stelling Mr Lall told this newspaper that the decision to change the schedule was made some time during December last in order to avoid the ferry coming into contact with two sand banks in the Essequibo River. Lall said it was out of concern for the vessel and its passengers that the decision was made by the Transport and Harbours’ Department (T&HD). He said that when the tide is low, because the boat’s bottom is keeled, it gets stuck on the sand banks, resulting in damage to the vessel’s engine and delays for the passengers. It also makes the vessel an easy target for pirates.
He said that as of January 1, the new schedule was circulated and notices were broadcast via television so as to enlighten the public of the changes made by T&HD. But Lall said that although the passengers were notified they continued to be upset over the situation.
However, he admitted that the current schedule, which sees the Malali leaving Adventure between 11 pm and 7 am, and Parika between 5 pm and 10 pm on a daily basis, is frustrating for passengers. As a result, many passengers choose to travel by speedboat instead. Many businessmen and farmers as well, who previously relied on the ferry to transport their goods are now choosing to move smaller amounts at a time, using the speedboat service.
Lall said he felt that a more feasible decision should be made, since the change in schedule had caused a drop in revenue.
When asked about the delay at the Wakenaam ferry stelling, as alleged by some passengers, Lall pointed out that the vessel’s crew does not always wait until the tide is high to leave Adventure, but tries to save on time by travelling to Wakenaam while the water is still low, as there are no sand banks between Adventure and Wakenaam. Once at Wakenaam, the vessel discharges and reloads the necessary vehicles and passengers and waits there until the water is high enough to enable the vessel a safe journey to Parika.
Asked about the midday service, he said that a smaller vessel, the MV Baramani, which usually accompanies the MV Malali, does the midday trips three days per week: Monday, Wednesday and Friday. He pointed out that although the smaller vessel has a flat bottom, it does not have an engine, and as a result has to be pulled by a tug whose bottom is keeled. Hence there is also a danger of the tug becoming stuck on a sand bank and consequently immobilizing the Baramani.
But Lall said relief is on the way. He said that when the new stelling currently being built at Good Hope on the Essequibo Coast is completed, government has promised to provide two new ferries with flat bottoms.
The MV Malali transports cars, buses, trucks and foot passengers. Businesspersons depend on its services for the safe transportation of their goods. Approximately 100 persons travel on the vessel on a daily basis.
