Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill last Friday announced that the M.V. Canawaima Ferry Service executed some 538 round trips from January to November 2023 between Guyana and Suriname.
He made this announcement at a year-end press conference at the ministry’s office in Wight’s Lane, Kingston, George-town on Friday.
“This is more than just once daily and they have moved 14,466 vehicles across the Corentyne River,” the Minister revealed.
The service facilitates transportation for travellers and essential cargo across the Corentyne River.
Some 88,005 passengers utilized the vessel throughout the year.
Monetarily, the Cana-waima Ferry Service has proven to be efficient and profitable. Expenditures stood at $140,159,764, resulting in a substantial profit of $46,214,782.
Moreover, the introduction of a new duty-free shop in August has further elevated the services offered, enhancing the overall experience for travellers.
Edghill said that this year the government is working towards the procurement of a new engine for the ferry, to ensure enhanced reliability and efficiency.
Renovation works are also slated for the loading ramp, with repairs and the replacement of wooden rails with galvanized iron to enhance safety and durability.
He added that a new washroom is set to be constructed to accommodate incoming passengers.
The Ferry Service a few years ago had encountered mechanical failure of the second engine onboard.
In March of 2022, the management of the service had also announced that the ferry would be down for one day to facilitate emergency repairs.
It was only in February, 2021, that ferry travel between Guyana and Suriname resumed after an almost year-long hiatus due to the then COVID-19 travel restrictions.
