KINGSTON - Minister of Public Works, Robeson Benn along engineers from the Work Services Group (WSG) and Transport and Harbours Department (T&HD) inspected the Stabroek Market Stelling on September 19, 2014 with the view of providing a Bill of Quantities (BOQ) to the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) for the restoration of the deteriorating structure.
The Market Stelling’s upkeep falls under M&CC.
T&HD engineers are assessing the pilings and substructures, while WSG engineers are focusing on the superstructure [walls and roof].
A BOQ will be prepared by the Engineers to advise the Ministry and M&CC of the possible cost for the waterfront facility. It [BOQ] is expected to be on Minister Benn’s desk on Monday, September 22, 2014.
TIMEHRI - Several Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) staff braved the needle to give 28 units of blood to help the National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS) replenish its blood bank's supply.
The blood donation drive was held on September 17 at the airport’s Greeters Hall.
Coordinator of the initiative was Dacia Samaroo, CJIA’s Commercial Officer, Commercial and Administration Division (CAM).
“We (CJIA) realized that blood is very much in demand. One pint of blood has the capacity to save three lives, so we encouraged all staff to volunteer,” Ms. Samaroo said.
This is the first time CJIA has undertaken such a project, and Ms. Samaroo is optimistic that it will be an annual event. One of CJIA’s mandates is to give back to the community.
Members of the public, Immigration and Floor Care staff also donated blood.
KINGSTON - The Trailing Suction Hopper Dredge “STEVE N” has commenced dredging operations on Wednesday September 17, 2014 in the Essequibo River, close to Wakenaam, Leguan and Hogg Island in an area known as Chalmers Crossing.
This marks the beginning of an extensive campaign by the Maritime Administration Department to dredge the shallow areas of the Essequibo River that currently impede ships operating in the area.
The Transport &HarboursDepartment’s Ferry Vessels operating between Parika and Supenaam/Wakenaam will benefit significantly from this exercise.
Prior to proceeding to Essequibo, the Steve N did substantial work in deepening the Demerara Main Ships’ Channel and alongside several wharfs in the Demerara River.
KINGSTON - Three miscellaneous roads have been completed in Region Three (Essequibo Islands/West Demerara) under the Ministry of Public Works’ miscellaneous roads programme.
An estimated GY$50.5M was allocated to resurface Hague Access road and Jib East and West Hague roads withasphaltic concrete.
According to Denita Crandon, the ministry’s Engineer monitoring the region’s roads project - over 1,000 feet of road was repaired on the respective thoroughfares.
Meanwhile, Region #3 Regional Chairman, Julius Fabor, said he was pleased with the upgrade road network. “The roads were done in a manner that is acceptable,” he added.
For 2014, the Ministry has set aside GY$1.08B to facilitate repair roads countrywide.
KINGSTON - Equipment damage to GT&T’s fibre optic cable along the East Bank Highway Expansion Project occurred on Tuesday 16th September, 2014.
The area in which the cable was damaged was not assigned by the Consultants to the project for works to be executed by the contractor, BK International.
The Ministry of Public Works will continue consultations with the Consultant, Contractor and GT&T with respect to the timely scheduled removal of the cable which is also contingent on financing approvals.
KINGSTON - Over the next few days the Ministry of Public Works will be offering free minibus services to commuters on the East Bank of Demerara, the West Bank of Demerara, the East Coast of Demerara and the West Coast of Demerara.
According to the subject Minister, Robeson Benn the decision was made after minibus operators plying the number 44, East Coast Demerara route threatened massive strike action over a proposed 100 percent fare increase.
“The Ministry of Public Works has become increasingly concerned about the state of public transportation resulting out of threats for the withdrawal of services.”
Minister Benn said he was informed that minibus operators have been forcing commuters to pay the increased fares while in some cases others are being made to pay full fares for half way journeys.
“We have had to bring in buses free of charge before to try to alleviate the situation and to bring the operators to a position where they would consult with the relevant authorities as it relates to increasing fare.”
The Minister added that the Ministry does not want to encourage a situation where commuters are suffering as a result of a one sided action by minibus operators.
“Our response started in a small way on Saturday, with 44 - seater minibuses plying the East Bank, Canal and West Bank route but the number of buses will increase later this evening,” he stated.
Minister Benn said commuters will be allowed to travel free of cost until there is a mutual resolution to the issue as hand.
“This will be going for as long as it takes. You may recall we had taken a position that they would not countenance an increase in fare if the price for gas had not gone beyond a $1000 per gallon; that situation has not arisen as yet.”
Hence, it was noted that the proposed fare increase is illegal as there has been no consultation with the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Commerce
“Some in the system are forcing people to pay high fares. W are not in agreement with it. We are prepared to have discussion; we will not have unilateral decision forced on them. Our doors are always open, it’s an immediate problem and we have to respond immediately.”
Further, the Minister deemed the action by some minibus operators as mere bullyism and noted that his Ministry’s response is not interfering with market forces.
Meanwhile the Minister said that if the need arises more buses will be added to the fleet to ease to woes of the travelling public. Some of the minibuses have been contracted from the Knight Rider bus service.
He further debunked suggestions that the action of the Ministry is in wake of threats by the opposition of the possibility of an early election. The Minister pointed out that similar interventions were made three times in the past and it was not during an election period.
Route 44 minibus drivers have been holding firmly to their decision to strike to acquire a 100 percent increase in bus fares.
For minibuses working directly from Mahaica to Georgetown, the standard fare is $200. However, those working shorter distances, for example Georgetown to Buxton/Strathspey, the fare is kept within $100 – $120. (GINA)
KINGSTON - The photograph of a collapsed bridge splashed on the front page of the September 8, 2014 Kaieteur Newspaper is another malicious attempt to mislead the public and create unfounded anxiety amongst commuters along the Linden/Lethem road.
The photograph referenced is one dated more than six months when severe difficulties were being experienced due to overloaded trucks crossing the bridge.
The bridge, located 33 miles from Kurupukari, was fixed some six months ago.
Contractors working on the road’s critical sections, as well as, road users have also confirmed that no such bridge currently exists along the road.
Meanwhile, maintenance to critical sections of the Linden/Lethem road continues to move ahead, and is scheduled to be completed by mid-September. The sections are being resurfaced with lateritic material and compacted.
The contractors employed for this project, which is being executed in phases, are: Troy Resources; Omai Gold Mines (OGM); Demerara Timbers Limited (DTL); Mekdeci Machinery and Construction (MMC) and Vevakanand Dalip Enterprise (DALIP).
Currently, travel time on the road is down from 16 hours to 12 hours.
The Ministry is calling on Kaieteur News to clarify its photograph and offer an apology.
KINGSTON - The Ministry wishes to correct an article published in Kaieteur News captioned “CJIA US$150M expansion project unnecessary when compared to similar airports”.
In its September 7, 2014 publication the length of CJIA’s current runway was juxtaposed to St. Maarten’s Princess Juliana International Airport in a deliberate attempt to undermine the airport expansion project.
Several factors determine the runway length required for takeoff. Among these are the aircraft weight, prevailing winds, air temperature, runway elevation and air density. For a fixed runway length, a combination of these factors determines the gross weight an aircraft can take off with. This gross weight, which consists of the aircraft, passengers and fuel, correlates with how many passengers and their baggage can be taken aboard the flight and the distance they can be flown.
It is a notable fact that St. Maarten is closer to Europe than CJIA thus aircraft would generally require less fuel and less runway length.
Therefore, for one to compare the two airports and the types of aircraft they accommodate without taking into consideration the relevant technical factors mentioned above is a clear indication of not fully understanding or not wanting to understand the subject area – given the lack of consultation with CJIA or Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA).
The information regarding in excess of 10,000 feet runway requirements of the Boeing 747 and Boeing 777 widebody aircraft is freely available from the manufacturer’s website as follows:
http://www.boeing.com/boeing/commercial/airports/747.page
http://www.boeing.com/boeing/commercial/airports/777.page
Therefore, extending CJIA’s existing runway from 7,546 feet to 10,500 feet will ensure large aircraft such as Boeing 747-400 and 777 operate at their maximum take off weights thus increasing the operational efficiency of the airline. There will be no restrictions on payload or flight range.
At the moment, taking off on CJIA’s much shorter runway dictates that an aircraft takes fewer passengers or less fuel; this is uneconomical for the carrier.
CJIA, through the Ministry of Public Works, has partnered with the United Kingdom renowned aviation firm “ROUTES” to court larger airlines to ply the Georgetown route, and a compelling issue in negotiations is the runway’s length.
At least three top European airlines have indicated an interest in Guyana as a destination but the existing runway length, based on their fleet asset specifications, is an initial limitation to how they proceed.
The airport expansion project, which has being ridiculed in some sections of the media, when completed will put Guyana in its rightful place in the sphere of aviation competitiveness.
The CJIA Expansion Project would also ensure an increase in direct and indirect jobs in the sector and will assist in making an increased positive contribution to Guyana’s economy.
GEORGETOWN - President Donald Ramotar, accompanied by Public Works Minister, Robeson Benn and Chief Executive Officer of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), Ramesh Ghir, met with Senior Consultant, of Airport Strategy and Marketing (ASM), and Routes, Yuliya Crane, and Director, Latin America and the Caribbean, ASM, David Appleby on September 3.
The meeting was to brief the Head of State on the on-going process to examine and propose ways to improve facilities and boost international air travel to Guyana.
The two officials are looking at the potential for increased business and tourist based flights to Guyana, with special focus on international air transport carriers. They are also in the process of meeting local aviation officials, travel agents and other stakeholders within the sector.
According to Minister Benn, the team’s consultancy is merely one facet of government’s plans to expand Guyana’s infrastructure and position the country as a true “hub” for regional and international air transport into South and Latin America.
The consultant along with the airport officials are engaging with up to 20 airlines to attract more carriers to Guyana, from Europe, North America, and Latin America and the Caribbean.
The meeting encouraged the formation of a route development committee locally to work together with ASM. (GINA)
