THE Transport & Harbours Department (T&HD) has assigned the m.v. Makouria to undertake the Parika/Wakenaam ferry service, replacing the m.v. Malali, which developed electrical problems after a voyage to Bartica on a private rental last Sunday.

The announcement followed numerous complaints about the scheduling of the service by aged vessels that have been operating at a cost incomparable in the Caribbean and farther afield.
T&HD officials, relating the challenges being faced, said efforts by the Mechanical Department and a private contractor, to quickly estimate and rectify the damage and have the Malali resume its route failed and its interrupted operations have left people in a number of communities stranded, including many farmers and their produce.
The Guyana Chronicle was told, yesterday, that the Makouria has made four trips since it took over from the Malali.
The repaired electricity supply cables to the hydraulic pumps on the latter are being put back and testing of the rehabilitated generator would commence soon after that has been done.
But there might be other equipment and parts to be installed after. However, all works on the Malali are due to be finished by weekend.
The T&HD officials pointed out that those vessels are old and due for rehabilitation but, apart from the costs being extremely high, there are no others to take over their respective ferrying areas in the Essequibo.
Meanwhile, commuters’ travel puts the Department in a loss-making  position, with the minimal fares charged and no subventions being received.
This places the T&HD under financial strain, with the minimal earning of only 25 percent of the revenue needed to operate efficiently.
The Malali,the Makouria and a third, m.v. Torani, will all, later this year, complete 50 years of service since they were commissioned.