Thousands of commuters yesterday crossed the Demerara River in boats, grappling with various challenges and anxieties as they await the conclusion of critical repairs to the bridge which was knocked out of service early Saturday morning.
Commuters from mainly West Demerara have no choice but to utilise the water taxis operating between Georgetown (Stabroek Market) and Vreed-en-Hoop, West Demerara.
For some, utilizing the service was a first-time experience and a hassle but for others they braved the sometimes choppy waters in the speed boats.
At around 2 am on Saturday, MV Tradewind Passion, a fuel vessel collided with the bridge, causing major damage.
Since then, speed boat operators have been working on a 24-hour basis to transport commuters across the river.
“This is busy traffic for a Sunday. On a regular Sunday you would have like five to eight boats operating but today is everybody working,” Brian, a man familiar with the operations at the wharf said.
Many passengers navigated with ease yesterday but some were already thinking of what will happen by tomorrow if the bridge is not repaired.
On Saturday, Brian explained that in the morning the scene at the wharf was chaotic as authorities worked swiftly to put systems in place for effective monitoring of the boats.
In Brian’s words the scene at the wharf was “confusion powder.” He stated that even though there were a lot of uncertainties and a large number of persons travelling, it was an incident-free day.
“We gotta give God thanks because no incident occurred. The wharf need a lot of repairs on this side (Georgetown) but again thank God nobody got injured,” he added.
Throughout the day, monitors from the Transport and Harbours Department observed the operations and ensured passengers were not being exploited by fare increases due to the demand.
On Saturday morning, some boat operators were moving to implement a fee of $200 per person but that was stopped by monitors at the wharf. A notice was subsequently issued by the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) warning against any increase in fares. The notice was posted outside both wharves.
Stabroek News was told that on Saturday many persons who were transporting goods across the river had to opt to hire speed boats.
Overseas travellers were forced to utilise the water taxis and move with their suitcases in order to catch flights at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri and the Eugene F. Correia International Airport, Ogle. It was a similar situation yesterday.
“Well I have no other choice but to travel here and take a bus to the airport. It is a bit harassing but I have to do it,” a woman who was travelling to the airport said. If the bridge was working she stated that she would have been able to leave home a little later and utilize a taxi from her home straight to the airport.
Nervous
Sandra, an overseas-based Guyanese who is currently visiting said it was her first time using the service and from her observation it was risky. Saying she was nervous, she stated that she was awaiting on a relative to accompany her across.
“I always use the bridge and that was not bad but to use the boat I am a bit scared because of the water,” she said.
A few persons also called for the reintroduction of a pontoon and ferry service to cushion the impact at times like this.
President of the Region Three private sector group, Halim Khan, yesterday said there must be serious consideration for alternative crossing options going forward until the new planned bridge is erected. He said that the Vreed-en-Hoop Stelling should be renovated and used to facilitate barges and other options should be available to shuttle vehicles, persons, food and business supplies.
He stated that a number of farmers have been impacted and many will be forced to find alternative transport for their produce.
Several persons who were attending functions such as weddings and funerals also had to utilize the water taxis to get to their destination.
Meanwhile, Stabroek News was told that taxi drivers have been exploiting commuters by hiking their fares. Short drops from the wharf to around the city which were recently hiked to $700 have now moved to between $1,000 and $1,500. One man said a trip to the airport which normally costs around $7,000 has now moved to $15,000 to $20,000.
Some bus drivers who ply the Georgetown to Parika Route and the Georgetown/Patentia Route are unable to operate. Yesterday at Vreed-en-Hoop several bus operators sought to work from the stelling. For some, it was easier as they explained it was hassle free with almost no traffic congestion but for the others there was a somewhat lengthy wait for passengers.
