On Friday, December 21, 2018, the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, newly elected 2018-2020 Sea Defence Board met to discuss the plans, functions and focus towards the rehabilitation, protection and preventive works under the Guyana Sea Defence Department.
The newly elected members are as follows; Mr. John Cush- Representative, Guyana Association of Professional Engineers, Chairman; Mr. Jermaine Braithwaite- Senior Engineer, Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Secretary; Mr. Kevin Samad- Chief Sea and River Defence Officer, Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Member; Mr. Maitland Stewart - Senior District Engineer, Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Member; Ms. Safiya Gafoor - Civil Engineer, Private Sector, member; Ms. Heidi Gillette - Civil Engineer, Private Sector, member; Ms. Kene Moseley - Project Coordinator, Mangrove Restoration and Management Department, NAREI, member; Ms. Sharifah Razack – Director, Technical Secretariat, Environmental Protection Agency, member; Mr. Dave Hicks - Deputy Chief Executive Officer, National Drainage and Irrigation Authority, member; Ms. Denise Hodge - Legal Officer, Ministry of Communities, member; Mr. Doorga Persaud - Advisor on Land and Land Development, Ministry of the Presidency, member; Mr. Omadat Persaud - Manager, Water Management, GUYSUCO, member; Ms. Nandranie Coonjah - Regional Vice Chairperson, RDC, Region No.2, member; Mr. Julius Faerber - Regional Chairman, RDC, Region No.3, member; Ms. Genevieve Allen - Regional Chairperson, RDC, Region No.4, member; Mr. Rion Peters - Regional Vice Chairman, RDC, Region No.5, member; Mr. Dennis Deoroop - Regional Vice Chairman, RDC, Region No. 6, member; Mr. Beni Sankar - Representative Private Sector Commission, member; Mrs. Anita Wilson-Layne - Project Manager, Civil Defence Commission, member; and Appointed member of the Parliamentary Opposition, member.
At Friday’s meeting, the Honourable Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, charged Board members to be gatekeepers of the nation as they serve in their respective designations for the development and protection of all Guyanese through the management of critical flood protection systems.
For the year 2019, the Ministry of Public Infrastructure endeavours to implement a programme of complimentary activities based on established principles of integrated coastal zone management. This requires that emphasis be placed on sustaining structurally adequate and functional sea and river defences, while implementing scientific approaches to planning for future interventions in the sector. To ensure that priorities are adequately established, the Ministry has developed its annual programmes in concurrence with the Sea and River Defence Sector Policy and the Sea and River Defence Sector Strategy. The 2019 Programme for Sea and River Defences will focus on strategic interventions in the areas of flood protection infrastructure, monitoring and research, technical capacity development within the Sea and River Defence Division and initiatives toward the further implementation of the Sector Policy aims.
The Board further discussed that Guyana’s flood protection infrastructure system will be further strengthened through the implementation of works contracts for the construction of critical sections of sea and river defences in Regions 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6. Designs for new sea defences will be developed in accordance with accepted methods which are adapted to the prevailing conditions along Guyana’s coastline and river systems. Engineering design parameters for new flood protection structures are typically developed for a corresponding minimum design performance period of 30 years with the necessary allowances to satisfy climate change resilience requirements. Additionally, existing sea walls and revetments will be rehabilitated to enhance performance and achieve extended structural life. Site selection for construction and rehabilitation works will be guided by the results of sea and river defence condition surveys within the various Districts. The Board also wishes to iriteriate that permission must be granted before individuals or companies begin construction on river reserves.
More so, emphasis will be placed on data management and analysis through the upgrading of the Ministry’s Shore Zone Management GIS database. Public awareness programmes targeting various stakeholder groups will be financed to aid in the dispensing of knowledge on the use of sea defence reserves and care of the flood protection systems in vulnerable communities along Guyana’s coastline.
It is envisaged that the activities programmed for implementation by the Ministry of Public Infrastructure will be jointly financed and supported through national funding and collaborated arrangements for donor support under the European Development Fund Budget Support Programme and the Sea and River Defence Resilience Project, currently being implemented through a loan agreement between the Government of Guyana and the Caribbean Development Bank.
PUBLIC TRAFFIC ADVISORY
Sheriff Street (Rupert Craig Highway to Fifth Avenue)
The Ministry of Public Infrastructure wishes to advise the General Public that night construction activities have commenced and are expected to continue during the period of December 18 to 21, 2018 between 17:30 hrs. to 21:30 hrs daily along Sheriff Street between Rupert Craig Highway and David Street. This is to facilitate sub grade works for the Road Enhancement Project.
Motorists and pedestrians are also asked to exercise caution and observe all directional signs in the area.
The Ministry regrets any inconvenience this operation may cause.
PUBLIC NOTICE
The Ministry of Public Infrastructure wishes to notify members of the public that approvals will not be granted for the use of the Kingston Foreshore (between Fort Groyne and the Camp Street) as a venue for entertainment, social and other events which are likely to generate noise above the permissible levels specified in Guidelines for Noise Emission into the Environment. This includes all events involving the use of loud audio and video systems, including those installed in motor vehicles and events characterised by crowd generated noise.
All approvals previously granted by the Ministry for such events have been annulled. The organisers of such those events, having been duly notified of the annulment of their approvals, are advised to use alternative venues and operate in conformity with applicable regulations for use of public spaces.
Members of the public are reminded that no unauthorised use of any sea or river defence reserve will be permitted. All persons and entities, including Government agencies desirous of utilising any section of sea or river defence reserve are required to apply to the Sea Defence Board for approval. Failure to comply with this requirement will result in legal action against the violators involved in conformity with the Sea Defence Act Cap.64.02 of the laws of Guyana.
For further clarification please contact the Chief Sea and River Defence Officer, Works Services Group, Fort Street, Kingston, Georgetown on telephone number 2259868/227-8294.
The Ministry of Public Infrastructure invites Applications from Contractors who wish to be shortlisted for the provision of Works and Services with the Ministry for the year 2019, in respect of the following Eight (8) categories:-
1. Rehabilitation/ Maintenance of Sea Defence Structures,
2. Rehabilitation/ Maintenance of Roads and Bridges,
3. Rehabilitation/ Maintenance of Buildings
4. Repairs to Vehicles and Equipment
5. Repairs to Vehicles and Equipment
6. Provisions of Surveying Services
7. Hire of Equipment and Transportation Services
8. Weeding and Cleaning/ Provision of Labour Only
Interested Applicants may obtain further information, inspect the Application Forms, and purchase a complete set of Application Form at the Ministry of Public Infrastructure (address (1) below) from Friday, November 23, 2018. Applications can be purchased from 09:00hrs to 16:30hrs, Mondays to Thursdays and on Fridays from 09:00 to 15:00 hours.
A complete set of the Application Forms, in English, may be purchased by interested Applicants at address (1) below upon payment of a non-refundable fee of One Thousand Guyana Dollars (GY$1,000.00). The method of payment will be cash, or by cheque payable to the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Guyana. Electronic submission of bids will not be permitted.
Only Pre-Qualification Documents from the Ministry will be accepted, and each Pre-Qualification application must be accompanied by a recent Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) and National Insurance Scheme (NIS) Compliance Certificates.
Pre-Qualification application must be placed in separate envelopes (each category) and marked on the outside on the top left hand corner, Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Pre-Qualificaiton Application for 2019 and the NAME OF CATEGORY, and be deposited in the Tender Box of the Ministerial Tenderboard located at the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Wights Lane, Kingston, Georgetown. The deadline for submission of Pre-Qualification Application is Tuesday, December 18, 2018 at 9:00hrs at the address below.
The envelope must be sealed and addressed to:
Address (1) - Purchase and Inspection of Document:
The Cashier
Works Services Group-
Ministry of Public Infrastructure
Fort Street Kingston,
Georgetown, Guyana.
Tel: (592) 225-3252 Ext 345
Fax: (592) 225-2689
E-mail: wsg@gol.gov.gy
Address (2) - Submission and Opening of Applications:
The Chairman,
Ministerial Tender board,
Ministry of Public Infrastructure,
Wights Lane,
Kingston,
Georgetown, Guyana
Residents traversing the Matthews Ridge to Baramita Road, in Region One, will have a smoother ride as a massive road rehabilitation project from Matthews Ridge to Baramita advances.The rehabilitation of the approximately 40 kilometres of roadway commenced in March this year and is expected to wrap up before the end of the year if favourable weather permits.
A $318M contract was awarded to A and S General Construction Incorporated for the rehabilitation of laterite road. The acting Foreman for the project, Vincent Pancham said to date the work is 50 per cent complete. He explained that prior to the works, the road was heavily covered with ‘bush’ and was inaccessible, which required crucial work.
Pancham explained, “if it weren’t for the weather the work would have been completed. The scope of works includes excavation of the road, the establishment of the carriageway which is 24 feet and the placement of laterite on the road. We also had to do the drains and shoulders of the road and widen it.”
The unpredictable weather pattern continues to be a challenge for hinterland road projects. As a result, the contract for the rehabilitation of the Matthews Ridge to Baramita roadway which was extended to eight from the original six. Pancham assured that providing there is favourable weather, the works will be completed in four weeks’ time.
“We’ve had other unforeseen challenges which were dealt with. The laterite while accessible, was difficult to dig up. Our excavator was occupied for one month getting the laterite. Bridges were also a challenge, we replaced the beams of the 26 bridges along the route to cross them. Nevertheless, we do expect to complete the works within four weeks, as long as there is good weather,” the acting Foreman related.
The Matthews Ridge to Baramita Road Project is a follow up to the major rehabilitation works undertaken in 2017 to restore the Port Kaituma to Matthews Ridge corridor which was observed to still be in good condition. The Port Kaituma to Matthews Ridge and the M4 Bridge at Matthews Ridge are already completed.
Several other rehabilitation projects are ongoing in Region One including the upgrade of roads in central Port Kaituma to concrete structures. This project is being executed by International Imports and Supplies and the main access from the Airstrip into Port Kaituma is being completed by KP Thomas.
The Ministry of Public Infrastructure has allocated $1.5Billion this year for the development of hinterland roads.
Ranetta La Fleur.
Images by Tejpaul Bridgemohan.
Several important bilateral agreements and Memoranda of Understandings (MOU)will be signed at Guyana’s inaugural International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Air Transport Meeting in November. These agreements will finalise the arrangements to facilitate flights to and from African countries.
Providing an update at a press briefing on Wednesday, at the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority’s (GCAA) headquarters in Kingston, Director, Air Transport Management, Saheed Sulaman said the bilateral agreements and MOUs will be signed with several countries including Aruba, Tanzania, Ghana and possibly Nigeria among others.
“We have slated on the card the signing of an MOU with Aruba to deal with air services. We are awaiting final confirmation from the Governments of Tanzania and Ghana on their availability to sign an air services agreement with them as well, to facilitate airlines to operate between markets,” Sulaman explained.
According to Sulaman, Tanzania and Ghana were selected since Ministers from those countries will be in attendance at the conference. He said the agreements have already been negotiated and are awaiting Ministerial signatures.
The conference officially opens on November 21, at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre under the theme, “Promoting connectivity for sustainable air transport development.”
Sulaman said GCAA is on target for the hosting of the conference and the draft agenda is already available for all 192 ICAO countries.
“To date, we have received confirmation from about 25 countries and more are coming onstream daily. From that number, some Caribbean states have not yet have confirmed their participation. We have confirmed registration in excess of 150 delegates so far and that number is growing daily. We have on board all the CARICOM member states along with many countries from Africa,” the Air Transport Management Director said.
The three-day conference will feature key speakers including President David Granger, Commissioner, Infrastructure and Energy, African Union Commission, Dr. Amani Abou-Zeid, President of ICAO, Dr. Olumuyiwa Benard Aliu, Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community, Ambassador Irwin Larocque and Regional Directors from the North and South American Regions.
There will be six sessions covering topics such as maximising economic benefits of aviation in the region, harmonising the air transport regulatory framework and air transport and stimulating investment among several areas.
On the final day of the conference, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo will open the third Africa Diaspora meeting under the theme ‘Special event promoting air links between African states and diaspora, turning words into action’. This forum will address the framework of the African Union’s declaration of the global African diaspora summit.
Other events on the agenda include a cocktail reception, gala dinner, heritage tours and art and craft exhibition.
Images: Giovanni Gajie.
Fly Jamaica flight OJ256, which departed the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) for Toronto, Canada, at 02:10hrs on Friday morning, declared an emergency landing 43 minutes into the flight. The flight, which was estimated to arrive at its designation at 06:55hrs, immediately requested permission to return to the CJIA airport and subsequently landed at 02:53hrs.
On board were 120 persons. There 118 passengers, two infants and the eight crew members (six Guyanese, two Jamaicans). All persons on board have been accounted for. There were 35 Guyanese, one Trinidadian, 82 Canadians, one Pakistani and 11 American citizens on board. There were no broken bones or other serious injuries reported, however, six passengers suffered minors injuries due to the impact to the back of the aircraft. They were rushed to Diamond Diagnostic Hospital where they are currently resting comfortably. All of the baggage is secured and the aircraft’s hold was not breached.
Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson and Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Annette Ferguson are both on location. According to Minister Patterson, the CJIA Tower activated emergency protocols in order to protect the integrity of the active crash site. The minister stated that an investigator is in charge of the crash site, which is secured by officers from the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and the Guyana Defence Force (GDF). Minister Patterson also added that while the runway has been reopened for normal flight operations, there may be a slight delay with some flights. Meanwhile, Minister Ferguson is providing assistance and guidance to passengers. Air Jamaica, whose staff is on site, is responsible for the care of those affected.
Numbers available for information are 261-2281, 600-7022 The crash site is the same location where a previous accident occurred several years ago. The extended runway was completed but not opened formally. More details will be provided at the full press briefing at 10:00hrs at the airport.
DPI Report
