Boat owners and captains in Muritaro and Malali, Region Ten, have received official licenses and certifications for operating their vessels.
The distribution was overseen by Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill, and Capt. Stephen Thomas, Director General of the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD).
This initiative fulfills a promise made by President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali during his visit to these communities last year.
Minister Edghill emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring that boat operators are fully certified, particularly to meet the increasing demands of eco-tourism in the country.
Residents of the riverine communities expressed their satisfaction with the new development.
They acknowledged the long-awaited certification as a significant improvement for their safety and the enhancement of their livelihoods.
The distribution also included life jackets for the communities and boat operators on the Mackenzie to Wismar route.