Essequibo ferry mishaps prompts PPP/C call for inquiry

The opposition People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) is calling for a Commission of Inquiry into Essequibo River ferry service, following recent mishaps.

“The [PPP/C] identifies these incidents as a reflection of a dramatic decline in the quality and safety of operations of this service and considers that a Commission of Inquiry should be appointed to determine how, and why these incidences have occurred with a view to making drastic improvements to protect public safety; facility infrastructure, and reliability of river transportation services,” it said in a statement issued yesterday.

The MV Sabanto is currently out of service after crashing into the Supenaam Stelling on Tuesday.

The PPP/C noted that the MV Malali subsequently ran aground, delaying passengers, vehicles and goods for several hours.

“The now parlous state of the rice and other undertakings on the Essequibo coast which rely on the ferry service, is now, seemingly being placed under final threat of demise by the inability to provide a safe, reliable transport system to the public,” the PPP/C said, while adding that the situation is worthy of serious attention and hence the call for a Commission of Inquiry.