(de Ware Tijd) SIPALIWINI – “Disi na wan gaang yepi (This is a big help)”, says Johan Djanie, captain of Dritabiki in reaction to the announcement by Minister Falisie Pinas of Transport, Communication and Tourism (TCT) that the state is subsidizing 40% of the fares of flights to the hinterland. Yesterday, Minister Pinas visited the Aukaner village as head of a delegation on board of the first subsidized flight. Some SRD 1 million has been allocated for ‘Surinamese Hinterland Flights, SBV’ this year, but TCT’s budget has not been approved by Parliament yet. “We’re starting now, but it will certainly be approved”, the Minister said. Djanie says the subsidized flights are a relief for the inhabitants of Dritabiki and the surrounding area, particularly those who frequently travel to Paramaribo. Margo Vismale, coordinator credit systems for the National Women’s Movement (NVB) is equally pleased with the subsidized flights. The NVB is engaged in projects in 12 villages in the Upper Suriname River area and in Kwamalasamutu. “I can’t make a calculation of flight costs on the top of my head, but I do know that transportation costs are a major drain on our budget”, Vismale says. The Minister says the pilot project will be evaluated after six months and might be expanded to other villages. Former TCT Minister Richel Apinsa had been working on the project since 2009.
