Boat ride to Commewijne to cost SRD 1.75

As of Monday residents from the Commewijne District who cross the river to reach the city every day will have to pay a boat fare of SRD 1.75. The union representing the boat owners in Commewijne and the Minister of Public Works, Transport and Communication Jerry Miranda on Wednesday signed a declaration of intent regarding the new boat fare. The boat owners who ferry people on the following routes: LaarwijkDomburg; Montressor-Kronenburg; Marienburg-Margaretha; Nw.Amsterdam-Leonsberg and Meerzorg-Paramaribo will start charging 50 cents more on Monday. Passengers currently still pay SRD 1.25. The boat fare had not been adjusted since 2008. The boat owners’ union had reportedly asked the ministry to raise the boat fare to SRD 3. But the minister asked the union to make sure that the boat fare would not become a burden for the passengers. The chairman of the union, Michel Nathoe, pointed out that both parties agreed that the state fuel subsidy would end on August 1. The ministry also agreed to make its back payments on the fuel subsidy. The bills reportedly date back to November 2016. The ministry will also process the permit papers quicker. Both parties are scheduled to hold a follow up meeting in September. A definite boat fare will be determined at the follow up meeting. Both parties have until then to gather all relevant information.