As the current administration continues to place emphasis on transforming the country’s infrastructure, emphasis is also being placed on the development of aerodromes.
Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure Annette Ferguson in recent interview with the Government Information Agency (GINA) said that the administration recognises that improved infrastructural networks can serve as a catalyst for development; as such Cabinet approved theupgrade of Guyana’s aerodromes.
Ferguson added that a committee has already been identified and given their mandate to begin development works; to wit by early March they will submit a draft document that outlines such development.
“That document would seek to address how best we can have our aerodromes improved…we have in excess of 160 airstrips in the varying regions…some of these airstrips are in a deplorable state…this improvement will not be done haphazardly,” Ferguson explained.
A consultative approach is expected to be taken when developing airstrips in the hinterland to ensure that the various stakeholders, operators and people who live in the community have their say in what is developed.
Minister of Public Infrastructure David Patterson in a previous interview indicated that one of his plans entails the Lethem Airport being upgraded to regional status with similar features to length and runway as the Ogle International Airport, however for this to come in place, there is need for the supply of cheaper electricity in the region.
The year 2015 saw an allocation of $417M towards air and river transport for the provision of better linkages between hinterland regions with urban and rural centres. This year is expected to witness an increase in this figure.
The Hinterland Electrification Programme that is under the purview of the Ministry of Public Infrastructure has achieved much success in supplying electricity across the hinterland.
The company's Chief Executive Officer, Horace Williams during his presentation at the Ministry's year-end press conference, at the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority on December 31, 2015, said that over 6000 house holds benefitted from solar power in the hinterland.
The provision of the solar panels was just one of a number of projects that was set out by the Hinterland Electrification Co. Inc. and accomplished.
Another project that was successful was the provision of two MVA power transformers benefitting the Mahdia Power and Light Inc. and Port Kaituma Power and Light Inc.
In addition, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) funded a grant of US$5M for the Sustainable Energy Programme. The programme is aimed at promoting awareness of the importance of renewable energy, hiring of consultants to provide advice, installation of wind data collection equipment, installation of community based, isolated solar PV systems and installation of grid-tie solar PV systems on seven public buildings in Georgetown.
Unfortunately, Williams reported that a number of the projects listed above were not able to be completed due to delays on the part of the consultants hired. As a result, only $6.M was utilised out of the $40M that was in the 2015 Budget.
Williams further noted that electricity companies in the hinterland areas received subsidy from government for the period September to December 2015. The companies are as followed:
Company
Budget (GYD$)
Amount Received (GYD$)
Linden Electricity Company Inc.
1,036,145,000
1,014,595,000
Lethem Power Company Inc.
35,000,000
Mahdia Power & Light Inc.
15,000,000
Port Kaituma Power & Light Inc.
Matthews Ridge Power & Light Inc.
10,000,000
Kwakwani Utilities Inc.
99,221,000
Total:
1,188,816,000
The Lethem Power Company Inc. also received monies to carry out capital works. These works included the construction of the new power station, the extension of electricity to Culvert City and for the purchase of a vehicle and two motor cycles.
A total of $35,500,000 was budgeted for the works but only $14,408,060 was utilised; $7,850,000 was used for the purchase of a minibus and two motor cycles while $6,558,060 was advance payment on a $32M contract for the supply of line hardware.
The CEO noted that for the year 2016, the company hopes to accomplish those projects that faltered during 2015 along with the aim of intensifying the performance of the programme.
The 2016 vision includes;
- completion of the public awareness campaign strategy and implementation of a public awareness campaign to inform the public of the benefits of using RETs;
- installation of four wind data collection equipment, and the commencement of wind data collection at four sites on the coast; procurement and installation of solar PV community systems in at least 20 hinterland communities to support livelihood activities and provide energy for the enhancement of social services
- procurement and installation of the solar grid-tie systems on the sevenpublic buildings to demonstrate the benefits of utilising such systems.
- upgrade of the generation systems at Port Kaituma and Mahdia to improve system reliability
- extension of the electricity systems at St. Cuthbert's Mission, Siparuta, Orealla and Moraikobai to add more than a total of 100 households on the grids. -procurement of a generator and power transformer for Matthews Ridge to improve system reliability
-construction of office buildings for Port Kaituma & Mahdia power utilities.
The Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation recorded a decline in total income for the year 2015. This information was disclosed by the bridge's General Manager Rawlston Adams during his presentation at the Ministry of Public Infrastructure's year-end press conference on Thursday, December 31, 2015.
In 2014, the bridge received the sum of $567,624,557 for marine toll, vehicular toll, contractual works and other revenue, while in 2015, the bridge received the sum of $483,041,029. This represents a $84,583,528 dip in revenue received.
According to Adams, the reduction was as a result of the number of repairs done on the bridge during the year 2015. These repairs were done under the $90M capital programme by government. The repairs included fabrication of connecting posts at the sum of $33,150,000, rehabilitation of cluster piles at a total cost of $49,950,000 and the supply of wire ropes costing $ 6,900,000.
Other works were done on the bridge over the year. These included the fabrication of buoys, installation of transoms, and data transmission link. The latter was set up to help curb the number of suicide committed and attempted on the bridge. This led to the CCTV cameras being linked to the police headquarters.
The reason for the reduction in total income received can be seen in the number of replacements done in 2015 in comparison to 2014. The replacement comparisons are as follows:
Major Components
Total Installed
2014
Total Installed at November 30, 2015
Ropes to Anchorage
153
208
Sheaves
55
68
Connecting Posts
59
35
Buoys
43
Pivots
6
0
Deck Plates
478
619
A-Frames
2
Transoms
7
3
Total expenditure for the year 2015 up to November 30, amounted to $679,549,425.
Further, during the calendar year of 2015, the asphalt plant executed a number of major projects. These projects include; maintenance of the DM 50 asphalt plant- this catered for the changing of conveyor belts and rollers, dryer bowel chain and sprocket, mixer fan, exhaust and blower fans, transmission tyres, rollers, supports and bearings, flights, gear boxes, idlers; and the service of all AC and DC motor, fuel pump and replaced electrical cables. Additionally two new generators were acquired, as well as a new mobile plant at a cost of $21.5M, while security lamps and cameras were installed.
Adams noted that for the year 2016, the DHB hopes to accomplish a number of projects. This entails the servicing of pontoons, supply of sheaves and shackles, fabrication of connecting posts, fabrication of buoys, supply of wire ropes, and the rehabilitation of hydraulic system of the retractor span. (GINA)
KINGSTON - The Ministry of Public Infrastructure (MPI) was so renamed from the Ministry of Public Works, by the Coalition Government after assuming office, to demonstrate the emphasis that will be placed on this ministry.
MPI is quite large and has the following agencies: Works Services Group (WSG) - which executes roads, bridges and sea defence projects; Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) - responsible for the waterways, specifically ensuring safety thereon, and stakeholders comply with necessary regulations; Guyana Post Office Corporation (GPOC); Guyana Energy Agency; Guyana Power and Light Inc.; Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA); Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation (DHBC); Transport and Harbours Department (T&HD) with responsibility for wharves and motor vessels which provide vital services to citizens; and the Public Utilities Commission. Other agencies include the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), and Hinterland Electrification Co. Inc.
The administration believes that in order for Guyana’s economy to be transformed to the extent that the country’s Gross Domestic Product flourishes and citizens in similar manner so benefit, the administrative regions must be opened up. This will provide much needed access for farm to market roads, hinterland to coast linkages and a paved road network leading into Brazil.
Restoring Georgetown
The year 2015 saw the new administration placing significant emphasis to return Georgetown to the state where it can once again be called ‘the garden city’. Simultaneously, the aesthetics of outlying regions were also improved.
Whilst the clean-up efforts presented a new look for the country, they formed part of the administration’s efforts to address drainage issues, as clogged drains, alleyways and garbage piles in and around central Georgetown were major contributors to flooding during heavy rainfall periods.
The clean-up campaign saw a complete transformation of Le Repentir Cemetery, the construction of the D’urban Park and Merriman’s malls as community play grounds and the desilting of the city’s outfall channels.
In taking the fresh approach to the WSG, a historic decision was taken with regards to substandard work. Contractor H. Nauth and Sons who executed works on the East Bank Berbice Road, was ordered to do corrective works to the 12 kilometres (km) of road, before handing it over to the Ministry. In a similar stand, the contract for the construction of the East Bank Demerara Road from Providence to Covent Garden was terminated after the contractor failed to honour his contractual obligations over an unduly extended period of time.
Project Monitoring
For the ministry to truly deliver quality infrastructure to citizens, strong direction and focus would be needed as such, 2015 saw the groundwork being laid to have qualified technical staff that will monitor the implementation of projects.
Cabinet gave its approval for the establishment of an inspectorate department which will be tasked with inspecting all government works, not only those that are under the MPI's purview, but all capital works and maintenance contracts. This new mechanism will ensure that taxpayers are given value for money with projects. Additionally a number of engineers and technical personnel will be placed in each administrative region. That way, works being executed in the region will be properly monitored .
This move to have a strong technical oversight unit to implement and monitor projects comes as the government in 2016 intends to continue rolling out its ambitious infrastructure and energy programme, along with the liberalising of the telecommunications sector.
With this being done,, the ministry will be in a position to better manage projects which translate into less taxpayers’ money being wasted.
New roads
President David Granger, during the year had announced his plan to link the coast to the hinterland. This move will see in the first instance projects such as the Del Conte road being implemented, followed by the Free and Easy road, which when completed will provide paved farm to market roads for farmers along with improved road networks into hinterland areas.
The administration in recognising the urgency to open up space for agriculture land has secured overseas funding for the construction of a bypass road from Ogle on the East Coast of Demerara to Diamond on the East Bank Demerara. This project will come on stream for 2016, along with the Del Conte road project- which is a paved road from Parika into Goshen, providing farm to market access to dozens of farmers. Simultaneously, it provides another road link into a mining community along with the opening up of hundreds of acres of land that can be used for the further development of the country. Other projects would include the Linden-Lethem paved network, the Free and Easy project which is at the back of Wales- and will see a paved road going further inland. This means that Region Three will be completely opened up from Free and Easy into Sand Hills. This is a proposal that was submitted to Cabinet during 2015 for its deliberations. Such a project will see the opening up of three million acres of farm land for the agriculture industry.
It is becoming more evident that the basis, on which the current administration is planning its infrastructure programme, is to open new lands, make it available to Guyanese and suitable to investors so the country can expand, along with a new fixed structure across the Demerara River as the amount of traffic that will be generated between Regions 3 and 4, cannot be accommodated by the existing structure. This new fixed structure will have a minimum of two lanes each way, and a pedestrian and bicycle lanes. Because there will no longer be a need to retract, all ocean going vessels will now be unfettered.
CJIA
The year also saw the new administration re-negotiating the project for the Cheddi Jagan International Airport. The expansion works will be completed in 2017, with a completely upgraded runway and terminal buildings, all at no extra cost to the government.
An upgraded airport means that Guyana can be used as a major trans-shipment hub for cargo and passengers destined for Northern Brazil, as this route will prove significantly cheaper compared to what currently exists.
River transport
The designs for two new ferry vessels were completed as part of the ambitious infrastructure programme by the new administration. One of the ferries will be utilised along the Berbice River. Areas such as Mara and further inland represent the country’s rich virgin soil for agriculture produce with good yields, therefore farmers in that location will soon have a means of transporting their produce from the farm to the market at a significantly reduced cost.
The other ferry will be replacing the aging Lady Northcote that serves the North West District.
Guyana has unfortunately seen its sea and water frontage only being used as wharves and Stellings where ships dock. This practice the new government intends to move away from by developing from the Seawall bandstand to the Kitty pump station and further, into a commercial zone for recreation. It will also be outfitted with a boardwalk for concerts and a cycling and running track for persons to exercise.
In 2015 submissions were made for Cabinet’s approval to move the Stabroek, Vreed-en-Hoop and Parika wharves to develop them into commercial spaces so that boats cannot only dock, but other activities will take place, resulting in further economic prospects for the country.
Lady Northcote, MV Kimbia and Barima, and Sandaka which plies Parika-Leguan route were also docked for maintenance works during the year. Outside of the docking of vessels, the T&HD’s sports club in Thomas Lands was resuscitated as a means of recreation and relaxation for employees.
As this department prepares to celebrate its 85th Anniversary, the first month in 2016, the administration intends to resuscitate the operations of the Mazaruni dock yard.
Aviation
As works progressed in the varying infrastructural departments, aviation also received the necessary boost and re-aligning that were needed to support the fresh approach the administration intends on taking.
A Memorandum of Understanding and one of Agreement were signed during 2015, both of which will improve aviation security activities as they will provide extra cargo scanners, training and other support initiatives in the area of security. The agreement that was signed with the United Arab Emirates will now allow for that airline to provide service to Guyanese by having scheduled flights.
The security memorandum of understanding that was signed exposed the need to have an amended Civil Aviation Act. The Act did not satisfy the security requirement of the regulatory agency IKO. As such an amended one was prepared during the year and was submitted to the Attorney General for review, after which it will be tabled in the National Assembly early 2016.
Importantly for 2015, government successfully tackled the the issue of air traffic controllers striking, but recommending those who were acting for a number a years to be appointed in their substantive position. This move was done as they recognise human resource is an important factor which is critical to the effective functioning of any department. Fourteen (14) persons were employed in the aviation security department and a number of employees were given opportunities both internally and externally to be exposed to training which will continue in 2016.
Cabinet approved the development of the approximate 160 airstrips countrywide, as such a committee was formed which will provide a report into the phased development of the said airstrips. (A GINA Feature)
KINGSTON - The Work Services Group (WSG) of the Ministry of Public Infrastructure has reported that it had a productive year as all the bridges scheduled for maintenance were completed. Over 300 kilometres of roads were maintained.
This was disclosed by the WSG’s Coordinator, Geoffrey Vaughn during his presentation at the Ministry’s end of year press conference today.
In relation to bridges that were under the expenditure of government solely, the majority was completed while a few are still in progress.
As it relates to the expansion of the East Bank road, Vaughn pointed that the project was divided into three lots. Lot one which runs from Providence to Covent Garden was awarded to Dipcon Engineering Services to the amount of US$8,003,265.38. However, that contract was terminated. A section of the lot was awarded to BK International Inc.
Lot two which spans from Vreed-en-Rust to Prospect was awarded to GEM Ltd. & Gaico Construction to the amount of US$5,802,640.80 and was completed in May 2015. Lot three was also completed, a month later. This lot entails from Prospect to Great Diamond and was awarded to BK International Inc. to the amount of US$3,444,060.07.
The report presented by Vaughn also dealt with the Sheriff Street-Mandela Avenue project. The report showed that government has decided to review the project.
The feasibility studies for East Bank Berbice, Region 6 for Phase 2 Stanleytown to Everton and the East Bank Demerara Road, from Grove to Timehri are completed and are awaiting approval. The feasibility study for Canal No.1, Canal No.2, and West Bank Demerara Roads has been terminated due to non-performance.
In relation to Miscellaneous and Urban Roads Programme for rehabilitation and construction in Regions 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and ten, a total of $509M and $570M were budgeted for respectively.
The year-end report shows that the Sea and River Defence Sector is currently benefiting from two major donors. These are Government of Guyana/Caribbean Development Bank Sea and River Defence Resilience Project and the 10th European Development Fund (EDF) Budget Support Programme.
These programmes are aimed at the prevention of floods, capacity building within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure; community awareness and education programme (CAEP); engineering services; monitoring and evaluation; project management.
The force account unit which is responsible for executing maintenance works for roads, bridges and other infrastructure works has over the past year maintained approximately 359km of roads.
KINGSTON - The Ministry of Public Infrastructure (MPI) and the Berbice Bridge Company Incorporated (BBCI) today, December 28, 2015, signed the agreement for the provision of a subsidy to the bridge company.
The agreement was signed by Minister of Public Infrastructure, Honourable David Patterson as well as Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Honourable Annette Ferguson. Chairman of BBCI, Mr. Egbert Carter, and BBCI Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Omadot Samaroo, represented the bridge company.
Also present were Minister Patterson’s Advisor, Mr. Kenneth Jordan, and MPI’s Permanent Secretary, Mr. Balraj Balram.
The signing covered the provision of a $31M subsidy to the bridge company. This subsidy will cover a toll reduction for passenger cars and minibuses, from $2,200 to $1,900 and for all other types of vehicles by 10 percent, excluding vessels.
The agreement will take effect from January 1, 2016 at 00:00hrs while the subsidy will be disbursed before the end of 2015.
Both Minister Patterson and Minister Ferguson are pleased that the agreement has finally been reached. The Ministers also said that the agreement is just an indication of the Government of Guyana’s commitment to providing a better life for the Guyanese public.
KINGSTON - MV Kanawan departed the Supenaam Stelling for Parika at approximately 12:00 hrs on Sunday December 27, 2015 with 255 passengers and 42 vehicles on board, thus it was heavily laden.
While underway, in the vicinity of the Chalmers Area and close to the time of low water, the overboard water suction through which water enters to cool the main engines became blocked with sediments; consequently the engine began overheating then subsequently automatically shut-down.
The ensuing efforts to clear the suction pipes and to restart the engines proved futile.
The Department’s personnel at the Parika Stelling were contacted shortly thereafter and they immediately chartered and dispatched six (6) water taxis from Parika to transport the passengers on board to the Parika Stelling. The vessel with the vehicles on board was subsequently towed to Parika by a tug.
According to the investigations thus far, there is no evidence that the Captain was under the influence of alcohol as reported in some sections of the media.
In spite of this unfortunate incident, the officials of the Department worked relentlessly to ensure that the passengers were always safe.
The Honourable David Patterson, Minister of Public Infrastructure joined the General Manager of the Transport & Harbours Department Ms. Marclene Merchant in expressing their regret about this incident and that they are committed to prevent the recurrences of such incidents.
KINGSTON - The Ministry of Public Infrastructure would like to advise the general public to take all necessary precautions during the spring tides period of December 22, 2015 to December 29, 2015.
The predicted tide indicates above normal levels for this impending period.
The Sea and River Defence Department considers the following areas to be particularly susceptible to possible flooding as a result of storm surges which may induce overtopping of sea/river defence structures:
· Johanna Cecelia, Cullen/Perseverance, Essequibo Coast; Charity & along Pomeroon River Banks
· Zeelandia/Moor Farm, Marionville/Bendorff, Good Success/ Sarah - Wakenaam Island
· Thierens/Success, Maryville, Cane Field/Amsterdam, Endeavour/Blenheim - Leguan Island
· Rotterdam/Crane, Anna Catherina to Leonora, W.C.D Parika, Look Out, Salem/Sparta, E.B.E
· Water Street, Georgetown, Kingston, Georgetown to Ogle, E.C.D, Mosquito Hall/Unity– E.C.D
· Bush Lot/Maida, Scottsburg, Corentyne and Along the East Bank of Berbice River
The highest tides are expected to be on Friday December 25, 2015 at 3:47pmat a height of 3.10 metres and Saturday December 26, 2015 at 4:28pm at a height of 3.08 metres. In addition to the captioned locations, all persons residing along the banks of rivers and low lying coastal areas are advised to take all the necessary precautions against possible flooding. Precaution should also be taken by all mariners including those operating fishing vessels and larger vessels. Use of beaches and foreshore areas for recreational purposes during this period is not advised.
Contact Telephone Nos. 226-0650, 226 -1070, 226-4368, 225-7420, 619-3552, 654-4226, 654-4227, 662-4927.
KINGSTON - Following a return visit to the island of Wakenaam by Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Honourable Annette Ferguson, residents of Wakenaam will benefit from greater ferry services, commencing today, December 20, 2015.
Minister Ferguson paid the visit on Friday December 18, 2015 a week after she would have made an initial trip to the island. During the first visit, Minister Ferguson had visited several sites on Wakenaam and interacted with both officials and residents. Residents were particularly vocal about what they deemed substandard service at the Wakenaam stelling.
Following these expressed concerns, Minister Ferguson had indicated to the residents that she would return to the island shortly, along with officials under the Ministry of Public Infrastructure. She delivered on this promise on Friday and was accompanied by officials, including the General Manager of the Transport and Harbours Department (T&HD), Marcelene Merchant and T&HD Traffic Manager, Stephan Skekel. The meeting took place at the Wakenaam stelling.
During Friday’s meeting, residents once again emphasised that there was a need to put a proper system in place that would see them benefiting from better service. They highlighted issues and problems they would have experienced as recently as last week. Amongst the complaints were erratic services, long waits, and unprofessionalism on the part of T&HD staff.
“It’s not fair for us to sit on a ferry for hours, and this is happening very often,” a resident said. The man, a driver by profession, further said that he has eased up on working due to the ongoing situation. He emphasised that he has no other job. “Nobody wants to turn up and hear the time change or the boat ain’t coming,” another resident chimed in.
Others complained that the alternative of speedboats was too expensive, even for those with small families.
Several residents further provided suggestions on how the situation could be rectified. Residents indicated that if a fixed schedule is in place, regardless of the time, they would make themselves available.
These suggestions were noted by Minister Ferguson and the officials and, after brief discussions, a solution was put forward. Minister Ferguson indicated than an extra day would be added to the ferry services to Wakenaam. This day was set as Monday. Furthermore, it was agreed upon that the ferry would plie directly from Wakenaam to Parika rather than stopping at the island of Leguan. This, it was agreed, would save much time for the residents of Wakenaam.
Furthermore, Minister Ferguson indicated that T&HD General Manager, Ms. Merchant, would speak with technical persons to determine ways to cut down on travel time. She said too that the professionalism of T&HD employees would come under scrutiny.
“If employees of T&HD cannot adhere to what they are supposed to do, then somebody will have to feel the brunt of it,” Minister Ferguson emphasised. She added that those who do poor jobs will be disciplined.
KINGSTON - Minister of Public Infrastructure, Honourable David Patterson, has reached an agreement with the Berbice Bridge Company Incorporated (BBCI) and will be signing a contract with the company in the coming week.
The agreement, which covers the provision of a Government subsidy to BBCI, will take effect from January 1, 2016.
