Latest update January 20th, 2025 4:00 AM
Sep 17, 2014 News
By Zena Henry
The daily transportation of some eight Ministry of Works trucks being used in the construction and repair of roads in Bartica is in some way contributing to the booking limitations at the Parika Stelling.
This was the information provided by General Manager of Transport and Harbours Department (T&HD) Ms. Marceline Merchant, when she responded to commuters who believe that the Stelling’s advance- booking system is being misused for financial gain.
Merchant told this newspaper yesterday that while it is possible that the booking system could be manipulated, one must not jump to conclusions, since there are other elements that currently contribute to persons being unable to access the MV Makouria.
Businessmen who spoke with this newspaper on Monday said they have been unable to travel with the vessel for weeks now, since they are being forced to pay to get their name on the booking list, despite the service being free.
Merchant explained, however, that the booking system might not be working as smoothly because not only are they accommodating government vehicles, but the MV Malali which usually travels to Wakenaam and Leguan is in for general docking until month end and the MV Makouria is also being used to ply those routes.
She explained further that the Works Ministry is seeking to expedite its work and its vehicles travel daily. The trucks also take up a lot of space, so what remains on the boat accommodates mainly smaller vehicles; unlike the trucks the businessmen are using.
Outside of that, other priority vehicles are considered, such as persons transporting perishable items, those with medical emergencies etc. The General Manager explained that the booking system requires persons to make arrangements to use the boat in advance. Persons are not required to pay any money until the day they travel. However, persons book the boat but don’t show up, so according to the booking system, the next person in line will fill their space.
Merchant said that commuters would be waiting to access the boat, but if another person is allowed on board, they would argue and claim that a corrupt transaction was done without knowing what really transpired.
‘I have seen it with my own eyes,” the General Manager explained, “They might not know that the person is next in line, so they claim it is corruption.” She said also prominent persons might be given priority, such as a government Minister or a pastor etc. and people would claim corruption.
Merchant pointed out that the T&HD has in place systems where two separate bodies check the information of persons going onto the boat, but if those bodies are colluding, then that is a problem.
“It is not impossible for there to be corruption involving this system, because they can always say the book is full. That is why there are traffic and security personnel; the commuter’s information goes to security and is later reviewed by the traffic personnel, but collusion between the two is then a cause for concern.”
Merchant advised that persons who are asked to pay to place a booking can send in anonymous letters with the name of the officer who would have committed the act. She said that while checks will be made into the current operation, commuters can help by reporting the matter; relevant action will be taken and where necessary, the culprits will be disciplined.
Acting Traffic Manager at T&HD Stephen Skekel also told Kaieteur News that corruption in the system is not impossible, but he urged persons to report such matters since, “only when something happens then you hear persons saying ‘I paid.’”
As it relates to the priority letters which complainants said are being given out “willy nilly” to ordinary persons, Merchant said only the T&HD issues such letters and it would not be strange for an ordinary person to have this letter given their operation.
Merchant reiterated that indeed large vehicles are facing some difficulty given the Works vehicles heading to Bartica, but the agency has recognized this. She said yesterday that it was a matter to be discussed with the Works Minister.
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