RIVERS AND WATERFALLS
The numerous rivers that dissect the land are all interconnected by a
remarkable system of channels. In the central part of the country the principal
rivers are the Nickerie, the Coppename, the Saramacca, the Suriname, and the
Commewijne. The largest river in the country is the Courantyne (Corantjin, 764
kilometers/475 miles), which marks the border with Guyana. Major tributaries of
the Courantyne in Suriname are the Sipaliwini, Lucie, and Kabalebo. Along the
eastern border with French Guiana is another large river, the Maroni, with its
tributaries the Tapanahoni, Paloemeu, and Oelemari. All of the rivers flow
northward into the Atlantic Ocean, with many rapids and
waterfalls
Navigation
For
import and
export, the Suriname is by far the most important river
in the country. Not only do all vessels carrying
bauxite,
aluminum oxide and
aluminum depart from Suriname via the
river, nearly all vessels carrying materials vital for Suriname enter the
country at Braamspunt in order to offload their cargoes in the harbours of
Paramaribo (immediately south of the city centre), or the harbours of
Smalkalden
and
Paranam – approximately 30 km from
Paramaribo – which are vital for the aluminum industry. During
the Second World War, the
6,000 tonne
North German Lloyd cargo ship
Goslar
was scuttled in the Suriname in order to prevent it from falling into
Allied hands. The wreck has never been
removed and remains visible in the middle of the river
Coordinates:
Bridges
In 2000, the
Jules Wijdenbosch Bridge at Paramaribo
was officially opened by the President, who had commissioned construction of the
bridge and after whom it is named. The bridge permits access to the eastern part
of the country. At
Carolina, approximately 50 km South of
Paramaribo, a wooden bridge crosses the river.
Recreation
Looking downstream at White Beach
Near Domburg, an artificial white sand
beach has been created along the Suriname River. The
adjoining strip of water has been protected with nets to allow swimming in the
Piranha infested waters. As a result
of this and associated recreation facilities, White Beach is a popular weekend
destination.
Note
