Government expects ferry from India before year end – Minister Benn

MINISTER of Transport and Hydraulics, Mr. Robeson Benn announced, Thursday night, that Government is now finalising arrangements for the acquisition of a ferry boat from India for the North West District.
He told Parliament that, as soon as this vessel is acquired, the one currently being used on the route will be reassigned to the Berbice River.Benn made the announcement during a sitting of the National Assembly in response to a motion by Alliance for Change (AFC) Member of Parliament (MP), Mr.Trevor Williams, which called for the reintroduction of the Berbice River Ferry from New Amsterdam to Kwakwani.
Williams had stated that removal of the service, years ago, created severe hardships for the residents in the riverain communities, mainly farmers.
He said, prior to that, the ferry had provided critical and affordable transportation to hundreds of Guyanese families and their goods to and from the Berbice Coast.
Citing a number of other reasons, Williams urged the House to call on Government to restore the service and, by that, revive those communities and give hope and stability to the many Guyanese who wish to venture into agricultural entrepreneurship.
Proven uneconomical
Minister Benn said the ferry boat had been sold in the 1990s since it had proven to be uneconomical.
He acknowledged that, from then, things had changed and there was a resurgence of economic activities among the riverine communities, justifying the need for support.
The Minister said the m.v. Kimbia, which is currently servicing the North West District, would be suitable for the Berbice River.
He said it would be assigned to the Berbice River as soon as the replacement from India is received, some time before the end of this year.
by Clifford Stanley

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