Ramraj rebukes T&HD for cutting truck tonnage on Supenaam-Parika ferry service without consulting operators

Minister within the Ministry of Public Works Madanlall Ramraj on Friday described as “totally unacceptable” the Transport and Harbours Department’s decision to reduce the allowable weight for trucks using the Supenaam–Parika ferry service without first consulting truck drivers and owners.

Ramraj made the comment during a meeting with truck drivers and owners in Region Two to discuss the reduction, which followed concerns raised by transport operators after the allowable load was cut to 15 tonnes last Thursday, significantly affecting the transportation of goods between Region Two and the mainland.

He stressed that stakeholders whose livelihoods depend on the ferry service should have been informed and consulted before such a decision was made, reaffirming the Government’s commitment to transparency and timely communication on decisions affecting the public.

The weight restriction was implemented due to structural concerns at both ferry terminals. According to the Ministry of Public Works, the drawbridge at the Supenaam Stelling had sustained damage, while ongoing construction at the Parika Stelling resulted in several beams shifting from the concrete-encased piles as work continues on the new facility.

Ramraj acknowledged the challenges the restriction has created for truck operators and businesses that rely on the ferry service, and assured them that the Government is actively working to resolve the issues and restore normal operations as quickly as possible without compromising public safety.

He informed the truck operators that the damaged drawbridge at the Supenaam Stelling has since been replaced, while engineers and consultants are working on a technical solution to address the structural concerns at the Parika Stelling.

Ramraj said the Ministry is exploring measures to reduce the impact of the temporary weight restriction on truck operators while works continue, adding that every effort is being made to complete the necessary repairs and restore the normal allowable tonnage at both ports as soon as it is safe to do so.

The Government said the temporary restriction forms part of ongoing efforts to ensure the safety and reliability of the ferry service while infrastructure improvements are undertaken.