Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill has indicated that the Government intends to construct a bridge across the Essequibo River to link the Island of Leguan with Wakenaam.
He made the announcement on Friday afternoon during the commissioning of the MV Konawaruk 1899 Ferry, which is currently servicing the Parika-Supenaam route.
It was explained that the Ministry of Public Works was mandated by the President and Cabinet to develop the project, and already a team of engineers has been established.
“We will be moving components of the Demerara Harbour Bridge to link Leguan and Wakenaam, so that the ferry crossing will be Parika- Leguan, Wakenaam-Supenaam and it will be much faster, and the transit time will be significantly reduced, bringing improvements and connectivity to the people of the islands,” Minister Edghill said.
He said in the interim, the Government is investing heavily in the Transport and Harbour Department to improve connectivity, and significantly reduce waiting time.
The US$5M MV Konawaruk Ferry is an example of such investment. Prime Minister Mark Phillips said the vessel will help to fuel the local economies of both Parika, and Supenaam, and neighbouring communities.
“The MV Konawaruk 1899 is not just another vehicle, it is a direct response to the cries of the market place and our pledge to forge a safer more efficient and profoundly more reliable transport link between Regions 2 and 3. This vessel will carry more passengers, more vehicles. This vessel is comfort, this vessel is economic momentum,” he said
MV Konawaruk 1899 was built in Greece. It almost doubles the capacity of the ferry currently in use. Within another month, another vessel from Greece is expected to arrive.
Since January 2025, 411,000 passengers have transited through the Transport Harbour in addition to 130,000 vehicles, and 193,000 cargoes. Public vessels across the country made 3,600 trips.
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