Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson has indicated that the flood-damaged Linden-Lethem trail will be reopened soon.
Speaking to media operatives yesterday at the National Toshao Council Conference, Minister Patterson explained that the contracts are already out for works on the road.
The contract is for a year so it will be from this year Jun 1st to June 1st next year. So, we’ll try to ensure there is continued use of the road so the aim is to ensure that there is a contractor on the road.”
Intense rainfall in the last few months has damaged the road making it impassable. This resulted in a temporary bypass being carved out along the Linden to Lethem trail, to allow for the crucial supply of fuel and other commodities, and to allow persons to reach the Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo district.
The construction of a highway from Linden-Lethem is much closer to reality. The Terms of Reference (TOR) for the construction by the Guyanese and Brazilian governments will be ready in August.
Minister Patterson said that the project is much anticipated and this agreement will focus on fulfilling that promise to Guyanese.
Phase one of the project covers approximately 125 kilometres of the road (Linden to Mabura Hill) and also includes a bridge across the Kurupukari River. Guyana secured funding from the British Government through its UK Caribbean Infrastructure Partnership Fund (UKCIF) programme to complete the design. The contract for this consultancy will be awarded shortly.
By: Ranetta La Fleur.
Amidst calls for the government to rethink its decision to not grant toll increases to the Berbice Bridge Company Incorporated (BBCI), Minister of Public Infrastructure David Patterson says the government will not allow the draconian increases under any circumstances
“The Government’s position remains the same. We think that the proposed cost by the Berbice Bridge Company Incorporated (BBCI) is way in excess and would be burdensome to the citizens of Berbice, in Regions Five and Six.’
Minister Patterson further added, “We are not at this time or at any time at all, contemplating raising the tolls to those levels – 300%! We obviously will continue to engage the BBCI for alternative solutions save and except passing it on to the consumers.”
Meanwhile, Attorney at Law Nigel Hughes says the Berbice Bridge was badly conceptualised and doomed to failure. He says the bridge also stands at an inappropriate location
“The Berbice Bridge was a financial disaster, the numbers never added up, they still do not add up. They want to carry the fares up. It becomes a political issue; but the reality for us in Guyana is, had we initially run the numbers, the bridge wouldn’t be located where it is today. It would be located down the river where it was narrower and more feasible… If we had really run the numbers we would have ended up with a permanent fixed span bridge rather than a floating bridge,” Hughes said.
Both Minister Patterson and Attorney-at-Law Hughes were present at the National Toshaos Council 12th Annual Conference being hosted at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre under the theme “Preserving Our Past, Protecting Our Future”
Chairman of BBCI, Dr. Surendra Persaud, recently called on the government to allow the company to increase its tolls to keep the Berbice Bridge afloat. The bridge was constructed under a Build, Own, Operate and Transfer (BOOT) scheme, a public-private partnership venture.
The construction of the bridge under the Bharrat Jagdeo administration was heavily criticised because a few private investors were allowed almost total control, though only investing only a fraction of the almost GYD $9.5Billion (US$45Million) used to build it. The Government of Guyana is the largest investor but can only take control after 20 years.
By: Kidackie Amsterdam.
Georgetown, Guyana — (July 11, 2018) Minister of State, Mr. Joseph Harmon, today, said that the Government of Guyana has prioritised infrastructural development because it recognises that improved infrastructure is the cornerstone of socio-economic progress. “It is through construction that vital infrastructure, like roads bridges and airports, are put in place… Great importance and priority must, therefore, be given to construction and infrastructure as has been made clear by His Excellency, President David Granger on several occasions,” he said.
The Minister made these statements at commissioning of the Fourth Road Project, a ceremony which marks the culmination of an over US$46M rehabilitation project on the West Coast Demerara Road. The project was jointly funded by the Government of Guyana and Caribbean Development Bank (CDB). The event was held at the De Willem Tarmac, West Coast Demerara.
Minister Harmon said that improvements in road networks will give Guyanese easier access to natural resources. “The Government recognises infrastructure as a key element in our development, linking our coastland and our hinterland, our rural and urban communities, and enabling us to access our natural resources. This importance in priority is also reflected in the 2018 National budget… where $32B were allocated to the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, of which $14.3B is devoted to the construction, rehabilitation, upgrading and maintenance of our national road networks,” he said.
Minister of Public Infrastructure, Mr. David Patterson said that the completion of the Fourth Road Project will boost the economy of the Essequibo Islands-West Demerara Region. “The completion of the rehabilitation of this road is timely as the West Coast of Demerara and Region Three as a whole, is a growing hub for sectoral development. These developmental activities are only as good as the ability to access locations within and on the outskirts of the Region… This highway provides this opportunity to link communities, reducing travel time, and increasing economic activity,” he said.
Minister Patterson also announced that Region Three will also see the execution of a number of other environmentally-friendly development projects. “Residents will be pleased to know that the Ministry of Public Infrastructure envisions Region Three as being earmarked for the installation of renewable energy technology in the coming years. This will potentially add to the ongoing initiatives in which the Government has embarked on to promote ‘green’ and clean energy,” he said.
Representative from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), Mr. O’Reilly Lewis said that the CDB will continue to help Guyana pursue infrastructural development. “We are in this for the long run… we have an unwavering commitment to the Government and people of Guyana and we look forward to continuing a long and fruitful relationship with you as we seek to reorient and diversify Guyana’s economy,” he said.
Regional Executive Officer of Region Three, Mr. Dennis Jaikarran encouraged the residents of Region Three to be good stewards of the improved road network afforded them. “I am reminded that the Government [does] not only make promises, but [delivers] on the promises [made]… This road project is one that will surely encourage and advance the economic development of this country… There is an equal and corresponding duty for those of us who use the road… [That is to] ensure that we are a part of the maintenance and sustainability of what is given to us… so that we can continue to benefit from it,” he said.
Minister within the Ministry of Public infrastructure, Ms. Annette Ferguson made a similar appeal to the residents of the Region. “I would like to make a public appeal to road users, especially drivers of motor vehicles. Kindly exercise the five C’s- care, caution, consideration, common sense, and courtesy. Let us avoid reckless driving on our roadways, which will aid in the reduction of deaths… I ask that you work with your Government as we seek to improve our infrastructure as the good life beckons,” she said.
Mayor of Bartica, Mr. Gifford Marshall, who was also present at the event, said that those living outside of Georgetown will also benefit from the expansion as Region Three connects Georgetown to many other Regions of Guyana. “Hundreds of Barticians traverse this road on a daily basis. Bartica is basically two hours travelling time from the Capital City… The development of this road will definitely aid in getting to Parika much faster… It’s a fantastic piece of infrastructure. It really improved the aesthetics of [Region Three] and it can just get better from here,” he said.
The Fourth Road Project was carried out by BK International Incorporated and Surrey Paving and Aggregate Company Limited. The event was also attended by Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and Minister of Finance, Mr. Winston Jordan.
DPI Report
The $9.7Billion West Coast Demerara Road Improvement Project was today commissioned at the De Willem Tarmac West Coast Demerara. The project was funded by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and Government of Guyana. Delivering the feature address was the Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson who noted that the project is evidence of the government’s pledge to the development of Guyana’s public infrastructure.
“Today’s commissioning reiterates government’s commitment to continue infrastructural development across Guyana at a standard that aims to drive focus beyond routine rehabilitation of roadworks. This project is, therefore, monumental and it encapsulates the inclusion of several features that are geared towards advancing safety and the efficiency of the roadway.”
The features along the 30.7 km rehabilitated West Coast road include upgraded bridges and culverts, new ‘shared-use’ lanes for cyclists and pedestrians at key junctions, the installation of high visibility traffic signs and road markers, the installation of pedestrian footpath bridges, the construction of concrete drains at critical locations and the construction of parking lanes along identified sections of the road.
Minister of State, Joseph Harmon acknowledged that construction plays a key role in the socio-economic development of any country and it is only through construction that vital infrastructure like roads, bridges and airports are put in place.
“Great importance and priority must be given to construction and infrastructure… the government recognises public infrastructure as a key element in our development in linking communities,” Minister Harmon said.
The project forms part of the Government ’s ongoing programme to modernise its road infrastructure and the institutional framework supporting its management. This is expected to result in a number of direct and indirect positive social impacts in the West Coast and the country as a whole.
These include:
The road improvement project was officially launched on March 20, 2014, at the Pegasus Hotel, and was scheduled to be executed over a period of five years. It now benefits approximately 100,000 persons from the Vreed-en-Hoop to Hydronie, inclusive of students from over 30 schools
DPI Report.
The revised Civil Aviation Bill will include stern measures against crew members found operating under the influence of alcohol or intoxicating substances.
This is according to Director General of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), Retired Lieutenant Colonel, Egbert Field who told the Department of Public Information (DPI) that the perpetrators would be fined and penalised. Also, people found trespassing on runways while an aircraft is in operation would be fined.
“These are new items included in the bill which seek to address care of aerodromes in the interior. There are a number of items in the bill that will make things clearer than the last civil aviation act. The last act was implemented when we were just being formed into an authority so many things were not included. Over the years, we have seen changes in aviation thus, this civil aviation bill will include all those items drawing on our experience,” Field explained.
The Civil Aviation Bill is currently before a parliamentary committee and should be finalised this month. The authority is in the process of revising its regulations. Stakeholders in the aviation industry and GCAA’s staff were instructed to present regulations to the Director-General who will peruse them before presenting them to the subject minister by July 15.
The first draft had to be relooked following comments and critical suggestions by stakeholders, Field said. “Regulations are difficult to put together when it comes to the aviation industry, especially one unique as Guyana. Because we derive or formulate our regulations from what the ICAO [International Civil Aviation Industry Organisation] puts out in its annexes. But those are really international regulations. We have to retool the regulations and annexes into ours to accommodate the size and operation we are doing in our domestic industry.”
Even as the regulations are being retooled, the authority will remain within the ambit of safety and security and compliance with ICAO.
THE stage is being set for a robust aviation system that plays a vital role in national and sustainable development of Guyana, Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure Annette Ferguson said. She made the announcement at the opening of the 23rd Caribbean Aviation Safety and Security Oversight System (CASSOS) Board of Directors meeting held at the Ramada Hotel on Tuesday.
Acknowledging that things are changing rapidly in the sector, Minister Ferguson said in the Caribbean, like most parts of the world, there is a shortage of technical skills and therefore the unifying approach in CARICOM through CASSOS give countries with limited human resources and avenues access to new technical expertise to keep the aviation sector safe. She said having the opportunity to sit in previous meetings gave her the opportunity to understand CASSOS in the regional and international context.
CASSOS contributes to the development of the aviation sectors of member countries through the sharing of technical expertise. Guyana has been a beneficiary of CASSOS’ work.
“There is a new bill being crafted and it is before the Parliamentary Select Committee and we expect to see the passage of that bill before the end of 2018,” the minister said. She added: “We are including in the legislation, provisions to give the authority to CASSOS inspectors to carry out their work unhindered in Guyana.”
The Civil Aviation Bill 2017 was shared with and reviewed by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). The new bill seeks to repeal and replace the Civil Aviation Act, Chapter 53:01 and bring Guyana’s aviation law into conformity with primary legislation, regulating civil aviation currently found in other parts of the world.
The CASSOS is the first Regional Safety Oversight Organisation (RSOO) of its kind in Caribbean aviation and aims to uphold the highest standards of safety and security in the aviation industry of member states.
The Ministry of Public Infrastructure (MOPI) continues to execute emergency repairs to broken bridges along the Linden/Lethem Corridor. Less than two weeks after a bridge was broken in South Rupunini, Region Nine, the Mile 33 Bridge, as it is known, located between Mabura and Kurupukari was recently broken by an overladen truck. Hinterland Engineer of the ministry, Jeffrey Walcott explained to the Department of Public Information (DPI) that the bridge was broken on June 24 leaving heavy vehicles stranded for days.
Commuters and light vehicles were forced to find innovative ways of shuttling passengers and goods across the bridge to arrive at their intended destinations.Walcott noted that the ministry, together with the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC), have already secured the labour and materials to repair the bridge. “A bypass bridge has been built and heavy traffic has been able to move again. The contractor, International Imports and Supplies gave the ministry its assurance that the bridge would be repaired within four days once all the materials had been sourced,” Walcott explained. Consistent damage to hinterland roads incurs large sums for maintenance and repairs, which could be directed towards other developmental projects. The ministry is once again pleading with road users to adhere to the weight limit when travelling on, particularly, hinterland roads.
Connectivity in the hinterland is critical to allow for easy accessibility to the locations of the extractive industries in Regions One, Seven, Eight, Nine and Ten. In this regard, $1.5B was allocated in the 2018 Budget for road rehabilitation as well as the completion of all rollover projects.
Preparations for Guyana’s inaugural hosting of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Air Transport Meeting are progressing smoothly. The meeting formally opens on November 21 and concludes on November 23. Approximately 192 countries have already been extended invitations by ICAO.
Director-General of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), Retired Lieutenant Colonel, Egbert Field told the Department of Public Information (DPI) that the arrangements for the major event commenced in January of this year.
“The arrangements are moving ahead, we are halfway from the time we started. Hotels rooms have been booked. We have secured the [Arthur Chung] Convention Centre where the meeting will be held. We’re expecting 500 and 700 persons around the world. The President of ICAO, Olumuyiwa Benard Aliu will be here together with the 33- member council,” the Director-General explained.
He said a local steering committee comprising GCAA members and a National Organising Committee with ministries and agencies representatives are managing preparations. The committee meets every third Wednesday of each month and deliberates on issues, which are then worked on by the steering committee.
The authority is working to source sponsorship to fund the event which may cost approximately US$400,000 dollars, Field said.
“We have embarked on a process to secure sponsors from aviation entities and establishments not only from Guyana but from around the world. It’s a very large budget and we’re hoping that the sponsors can cover expenses from this conference, so as not to have the government spend a lot of money on this conference.”
ICAO, Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) are involved in the sponsorship process. A number of local agencies have also indicated their willingness to assist.
The meeting will address sustainability, connectivity and the infrastructure of air transport, as well as facets of tourism and how aviation industry operates within the South American, Caribbean and African continents.
The Director-General is confident that the meeting will tremendously benefit Guyana especially in its quest to expand its aviation sector and by extension its economy.
The construction of a modern 3.5MW power station on the outskirts of Bartica is moving ahead and should be completed by late October.
The estimated $660Million power station is being constructed at Dogg Point, Agatash and will replace the current station in central Bartica. Gordon Bradford, Regional Chairman told the Department of Public Information (DPI) that since Bartica was recently named a town, the power station had to be moved due to pollution and noise concerns.
The new station will be equipped with three new generator sets. Tremaine Alphonso, an engineer attached to the contractors, Gaico Construction, told DPI that the six-month project is progressing despite the inclement weather and is “scheduled to finish in mid to late October but the current weather situation here in Bartica [has set us back a little],” Alphonso said. “We’re looking at the possibility of bringing in sand by barge to complete the project and we have commenced steelworks.”
The land for the new power plant has already been cleared. The site will include a rip rap sea defence, a catwalk, a powerhouse, a tank form and a security perimeter fence.
Works on an access road have also commenced. Bradford said the old power plant had been an issue for many years.
“That old power plant right now is situated in the township itself so then we would’ve been experiencing noise pollution, because of the old generation sets that they have there, there are a lot of spillages of oils and fuels.”
Bartica’s peak demand is around 1.7 to 1.9MW. “This is definitely going to be a plus for our township because it’s definitely going to boost the supply of electricity so definitely we have new housing schemes coming on stream and this would cater to that demand as well. This would speak volumes for us as a green town,” Bradford added.
The project comes under GPL’s Development and Expansion (D&E) programme which aims to improve the quality of service provided to customers as well as the working conditions of employees.
By: Nateshia Isaacs.
LEGISLATION concerning the misuse of the airstrips will soon be enacted and breaches will attract a fine as well as ‘jail time’. This is according to Director-General of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) Colonel (ret’d) Egbert Field in light of recent reports on the poor condition of the Baramita airstrip.
Egbert Field stressed the importance of routine maintenance, the need for a structured approach to maintenance and for effective monitoring of the programme. He also cautioned the residents of Baramita about the impacts of not maintaining and misusing runway. Field implored the residents to work with the public infrastructure ministry in maintaining and preserving the runway since they are the owners.
Officials from the Ministry of Public Infrastructure and the GCAA, along with the project’s contractor, visited the airstrip recently to conduct an assessment. It was discovered that the film of bitumen that formed the sand seal had detached from the base course at numerous areas creating the appearance of interspersed potholes.
According to a Ministry of Public Infrastructure release, the visit occurred on June 19, 2018 and from it a number of issues were identified, including the absence of routine maintenance of the airstrip and misuse of the runway.
A report outlining the condition of the runway and the way forward was also compiled. Meanwhile, the ministry stated that it will undertake inspections of all other airstrips where this method of sealing was used, to ensure similar issues do not occur. The ministry noted it will also review the performance of maintenance contracts to ensure that projects were executed properly. If it is discovered that same is unacceptable, immediate action will be taken since the safety of passengers is the top priority.
Furthermore, the ministry will take up the opportunity during the upcoming National Toshaos Council to hold discussions with village leaders on the usage and their responsibilities over airstrips in their villages, with the aim of working closer with the elected councils in the future. The airstrip had been rehabilitated over the period July to November 2017.
