As part of its efforts to ensure safer waterways, the Ministry of Public Works has announced that boat operators who provide water taxi services will soon face random drug and alcohol tests.

The move forms part of the measures to get boat operators to be much more disciplined with their work. During a meeting with the speedboat operators and Minister of Public Works Juan Edghill today at various points of operation, it was explained to the boat operators that if they are ever tested positive for drug or alcohol consumption, their operations license will be terminated.

There have been previous complaints of boat operators at work consuming alcoholic beverages while traversing the waterways with passengers.

The Minister said the safety of passengers and the safe use of the waterways are priority areas for his Ministry, which overlooks the operations of river taxis.

During the visits to the Bartica, Supernaam and other areas today, the Minister also warned the operators about the unauthorized increase in fares. He said such increases will not be tolerated.

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