25 July
The only motor vessel cruising Monywa and recoup earlier losses in operations, as it is now carrying more passengers and goods. So, the transport vessel is doing far better and is not suffering from losses, said U Lay Naing, Assistant General Manager of the Inland Water Transport’s Chindwin Division.
“As we are now carrying more passengers and goods, we won’t face losses any more. During the third quarter, we have not had any losses. The operation of a round-trip on the motor vessel costs IWT Ks 4 million. If the water level of the river is high enough, passengers can rely on water transport because they feel safe,” said U Lay Naing.
The motor vessel was plying between Monywa and Homalin for four trips on 22 July. But there were only 12 passengers on the first and second trips. The third trip, however, saw some 50 passengers. Only 20 tons of goods were transported on the first trip. However, the third and fourth trips carried nearly 50 tons of goods each.
Although MV Pyigyi Dagun 4 planned to operate by the third week of July, it will not yet begin service as hoped for. Currently, only MV Chan Nyein is providing service on the Monywa-Homalin trip. “Running this route once a week is enough. Previously, we have planned to operate Monywa-Homalin trips with two motor vessels. But, our plan did not work out”, he added.
The ship leaves Monywa and stops over at Min Kin, Kalaywa, Mawlaik, Phaungpyin and Thaungtut towns. Currently, the water transport service is conducted in cooperation with a private company. Months ago, the IWT Chindwin Division operated the Monywa-Kalaywa trip at a loss of K 800,000 per route.—Myo Win Tun(Monywa)
(Translated by Hay Mar)
