The Government of Guyana has gone a step further in improving the transport system on the Essequibo Coast and reducing the concentration of passengers by sourcing two new ferry vessels from the Chinese Government.

Minister of Transport and Hydraulics Robeson Benn (at left) and Representative of the Chinese delegation Hung Shawen exchange documents after the signing of a contract to procure two ferry vessels from China.

Minister of Transport and Hydraulics Robeson Benn yesterday inked the contract with representative of the Chinese delegation Hung Shawen at the Office of the Prime Minister.

Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, who witnessed the signing, said that Guyana is at present modifying the ferry landings at Parika and Supenaam to accommodate the roll-on, roll-off vessels.

He noted that the stelling at Supenaam, Region Two, has already been altered, but needs a few finishing touches.

The Prime Minister said that because of growing aquatic commerce and movement of people between Regions Two and Three, the ferries will provide greater capacity in place of speedboats.

“The journey time will reduced so it will greatly convenience both productive and social activity.”

Prime Minister Hinds added that Guyana looks forward to the arrival of the new river transport vessels at the earliest possible date, even as work is being expedited in the modification of the wharfs.

Chinese Ambassador Zhang Jungao said that the Chinese Government has been examining the viability of the project for almost three years and views the signing of the contract as an important step in the acceleration process.

The Ambassador said he is confident of a successful venture and expressed hope that the two vessels will be acquired promptly to serve the people.

The Chinese Government entered into an agreement last year to provide Guyana with the ferries.

A roll-on/roll-off vessel allows for easier loading and off-loading since it directly connects to the stelling.

Acquisition of the ferries will initiate the first phase of a plan to ‘retire’ existing vessels which have been in operation for over 70 years and which are costly to maintain.

Over the period 2001 to 2005, Government spent approximately $2.4B to improve the services of the transport sector.