MV Kanawan to be out for five weeks due to maintenance

Public Works Minister, Bishop Juan Edghill disclosed that the MV Kanawan, which services the Parika/Supenaam route will be placed in dry dock for five weeks from June 1, for maintenance.

Edghill explained that the move is necessary to ensure the vessel remains serviceable. He said that the MV Sabanto which also traverses the same route, will also go into dry dock once the MV Kanawan is back out for sustainable use of both vessels. “Those ferries have not gone into dry dock for a long time, and that is largely because of the demand, but before we lose them, we will have to get both into dry dock. So, we are going to put them into dry dock in a phased manner,” the minister said.

He continued, “So, Wednesday, we are going to put MV Kanawan into dry dock so it will just be MV Sabanto that will be operating the Parika/Supenaam route.”  Minister Edghill stressed that there is no need to panic as the ministry already has alternative solutions in place to fill the gap. He said that this includes adding another vessel to the route to cater for the demand.

“The five o’clock schedule will be kept and the boat will be moving up and down the river in what is called a touch and go manner… should there be required additional support, we will have to use one of the side docking vessels either the MV Malali or the MV Makouria, especially to help with trucks and people if they are moving paddy or other heavy crops, one of those vessels would also be assisting,” the minster disclosed.

Edghill pointed out that the government, since taking office, has invested in ensuring vessels remain in service to the thousands of people who use them.

Minister Edghill revealed that maintenance has been completed on the MV Barima, the MV Kimbia and the MV Malali, and they are all back out and on various routes.

The public works minister said the intention is to ensure Guyanese continue to enjoy the quality service they have come accustomed to since the government took office.