KINGSTON - The Ministry’s River and Sea Defence Unit is currently assessing the best options to rehabilitate sections of the Charity River Defence which have been deteriorating over the past few weeks.
Engineers have determined that heavy duty equipment/trucks that traverse the area - to the port facility – contribute to the vulnerability of defence.
It is apt to note that the wharf is an economic drive in the community since it is a conduit for businesses to transport goods and services to the North West district.
However, as an interim solution to the residents’ concern, a sign prohibiting heavy duty trucks and equipment from using the roadway to the wharf - was erected yesterday, June 16, 2014.
KINGSTON - The expansion of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) in Guyana continues with a view towards safety and creating an international hub for aircraft movement.
Minister of Public Works Robeson recently pointed out that thus far, basic technical work has been done regarding the designs, and with a consulting firm now on board, the work will continue.
He explained that test sections have been successfully done for the removal of pegasse and the relocation of the army engineering compound will soon begin. The Minister pointed also that the construction of facilities for Chinese teams and specialist workers will soon be completed.
From 2000 to 2012, passenger movement at the CJIA leaped from 384,000 to 544,000 [a 42 percent jump] over these years, hence an expanded airport is necessary.
Importance of Expansion
The first criterion of expansion is safety targeting the runway being extended by a 1000 metres. “The runway is too short, it’s at the barest minimum for the type of traffic which comes in and we need to lengthen the runway for safety,” he said as he reminded of the Caribbean Airlines plane that overshot the runway two years ago.
The Minister also pointed out that an expanded airport would enable the attraction of larger aircraft which are more efficient in operations and whose use will redound in cheaper fares for travellers.
The other great opportunity, he said, as he pointed out the entry of several airlines including COPA Airlines, and Dynamic Airways into Guyana, “is that Guyana’s geographic location on the northern shoulder of South America provides an ideal location to develop a regional hub or international hub with respect to aircraft movement.”
This, he observed, would assist aircraft on long transatlantic flights to land in Guyana if there is a large enough airport where they can do facilitation, “bring tourists, take on fuel, do all the engineering and other things and develop the market so there’s an opportunity for the development of a regional hub market in South America.”
He also pointed to travel from Brazil where persons going to North America or Europe had to go to Sao Paulo or Rio. “The Brazilian Government is liberalising this market too. It’s an opportunity for markets to join into Manaus and Belem and those other sections into South America,” he explained.
Travellers wanting to get to the West Coast of South America to Ecuador or Peru usually have to get to Miami or New York. “It has improved since Copa Airlines has developed significantly going out of Panama, but our location as the possible hub is advantageous as being the development of international air cargo and passenger traffic so it has to be done,” Minister Benn stated.
He observed too that there is no way Guyana will remain uncompetitive in the areas “if we don’t do things the way it ought to be done in the market. Suriname is expected to expand its airport, the Jamaicans are looking at theirs, and Grenada is expanding its airport. There are many other countries in the Caribbean who are expanding their airport to make it more efficient, to travel more efficient and more advantageous to the travelling public.”
Minister Benn pointed out that business and opportunities will develop as a result of the development of the airport, “ Not only in the extension of the runway, but also in the development of a new terminal building which is inadequate for the type of traffic which goes straight at the moment.”
While he commended the improvement and expansion of the Ogle Airport he noted that, “it is a small place with respect to what happens at CJIA. The expansion has to come from the extensions at CJIA and the developments in the terminal building where there is room to do those things. The room doesn’t exist at Ogle and couldn’t exist at Ogle,” the Minister declared.
The Opposition cut the $6.5B allocated in Budget 2014 for the CJIA project that was signed by the Governments of Guyana and China on October 31, 2012, and which is to be funded to the value of US$130 million from the Chinese Exim Bank.
Upon completion, the CJIA would be able to meet service projected traffic and become a hub for regional and continental traffic. The upgrade and expansion comprises a new terminal building that will have eight passenger boarding bridges, two elevators, and CCTV and departures control systems.
KINGSTON - Commuters and motorists, who frequent the Donkey City, Stabroek Market Square, can traverse the road with ease now that it has been resurfaced.
The Ministry of Public Works’ Force Account Unit (FAU) completed overlaying a large section of the Square on Friday, June 13, 2014 with asphalt concrete to bring the area to a more acceptable standard.
Works Minister, Hon. Robeson Benn, was approached by the City Engineer's Department to execute the rehabilitation works.
Prior to the facelift, the road surface was filled with potholes - making navigation difficult for vehicular traffic and commuters.
The project, which lasted three days, costs the Ministry approximately GUY $4.5M.
Meanwhile, the FAU will commence resurfacing a section of the main access road that leads to the University of Guyana on Monday, June 16, 2014.
KINGSTON - The Management of the Transport and Harbours Department (T&HD) wishes to express its concern at the way some sections of the media have portrayed the recent problems with the steps at the Georgetown Ferry Stelling on Monday June 9, 2014.
These steps are used by the small passenger boats plying the Georgetown – Vreed-en-Hoop Service.
At approximately 09:45 hours, it was reported to the T&HD that a speedboat had made a hard mooring into the stairs. This impact caused three treads of the steps to dislodge and also cut a tie-rod that holds the string boards together.
Workers were immediately dispatched to effect repairs.
The Management of the Transport & Harbours Department is very mindful of its obligations to provide safe access to persons using the service but it needs greater care and cooperation from the boat captains. Further it will be working with the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) to rein-in reckless captains like the one whose boat damaged the steps.
KINGSTON - The Force Account Department (FAD) of the Ministry of Public Works has renovated ‘Donkey City’, situated in the vicinity of the Stelling at the Stabroek Market Square, so as to rid that area of its unsightly appearance and facilitate public hygiene.
Lawrence Mentis, the Force Account Engineer for this project, said that the vicinity was riddled with potholes, and was the section worst affected by rainfall in the surrounding area. And although City Hall had provided adequate receptacles for garbage disposal, the area was awash with garbage. Thus, the FAD took the decision to tidy the entire area and “level” the potholes.
Upon visiting the site yesterday, this newspaper was made to understand that the overhaul began in the late hours yesterday - June 11, 2014 and was expected to conclude the said evening.
The police have temporarily relocated the routes 31 and 32 bus parks so as to accommodate overhaul and upgrade of the area.
The FAD aims to overhaul and upgrade other needy areas around the country in the coming weeks. (Guyana Chronicle)
KINGSTON - Motorists are being advised that as of Monday June 16, 2014 - East and West bound traffic on Lamaha Street will be prohibited from turning right into Albert Street.
Advance warning and junction signs have been installed and the traffic signals will be adjusted accordingly to allow for faster discharge of traffic through this intersection.
Motorists should be careful to observe the No Right Turn Symbol.
What that means is that:
Overall motorists will encounter fewer delays at this junction.
KINGSTON - A Ministry of Public Works employee was attacked and wounded with a meat saw last Friday when he attempted to remove a roadside meat vendor operating on Government reserves at New Hope, East Coast Demerara (ECD).
Four days before the incident, the vendor was given a “Notice of Violation” with respect to the erection of the permanent structure on the reserve, the penalties risked and necessary steps needed for approval to erect any structures.
The vendor refused to comply with the notice which promoted the Ministry to demolish the permanent shed he had built. In a show of defiance, he placed a stand and continued to sell at the location.
On Friday, June 6, 2014, MPW employees informed the vendor he had to move and as they were in the process of removing the meat knives and cutters, the vendor pulled a meat saw and attacked the staff. One employee sustained a cut to his right arm.
The matter was reported to Cove and John Police Station where officers are pursuing charges.
The Ministry reiterates that the unauthourized erection of billboards and structures on the road reserves, property line to property line is an offence by the law. These structures are a traffic hazard to both motorists and pedestrians.
Anyone desirous of erecting any structure within the road reserves MUST obtain written approval from the Chief Works Officer with the MPW.
KINGSTON - The Guyana Civil Aviation Authority is currently conducting an investigation into the incident which occurred on June 2, 2014 at the Paramakatoi Airstrip in which a Cessna 206 aircraft owned and operated by Air Services Limited upon landing, veered off of the runway and ploughed through a barbed wire fence.
The aircraft was at the time transporting cargo with only the pilot in command on board.
The facts uncovered in the preliminary investigation do not suggest that there was cattle present on or in the vicinity of the airstrip at the time of the incident.
The Authority wishes to make clear that there are established procedures which govern operation into and out of uncontrolled aerodromes such as Paramakatoi that require the pilot to pass over in the vicinity of the aerodrome to ensure that the runway is clear of all obstacles prior to landing.
The most recent Advisory Circular on Standard Operating Procedures at Uncontrolled Aerodromes was issued to the industry in September, 2013 and describes actions to be taken by a pilot to ensure that a proper assessment of conditions at the airstrip are made before landing.
KINGSTON - The operational capacity of the ‘A’ Division Traffic Department of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) has been bolstered, with the acquisition of eight motorcycles to its fleet.
Today June 6, 2014 in front of Stabroek Market, Minister of Public Works, Robeson Benn officially handed over the motorcycles to his colleague Minister of Home Affairs, Clement Rohee and Commissioner of Police (ag) Seelall Persaud.
The special Honda motorcycles [two 500cc and six 250 cc] and spare parts were purchased for approximately GYD $15M through a loan from the International Development Bank (IDB).
In his remarks, Minister Benn said the latest acquisition is reflective of his Ministry’s efforts to help the police with the necessary tools to maintain law and order. The motorcycles, he added, will increase the presence of the police on the roads and enhance their ability to deter crime and traffic offences.
“Each year approximately 10,000 vehicles are registered, and that poses a challenge for the GPF in terms of road safety,” he said. “We have a lot of laws but not enough order. These motorcycles will help to enforce the laws.”
Hon. Benn, who has responsibility for the public road networks, also pointed to the massive investment being made to improve and make roads safer for motorists and pedestrians.
Meanwhile, Hon. Rohee emphasized that the motorcycles will promote more visibility of officers who will track down traffic violators.
“….we have persons who run the red and amber lights, which put persons in danger. We will go after those who violate the traffic laws. This city needs order which has to be controlled by the GPF through effective law enforcement,” he stated.
Commissioner (ag) Persaud expressed his gratitude for the new motorcycles, which will alleviate the pressure of Traffic Department. He noted that with the increasing number of regional meetings held in Guyana, the demand is high for outriders.
“I want to assure both Ministers that the motorcycles will be fully utilized,” he said.
In 2011, MPW handed over a number of motorcycles to the GPF.
KINGSTON - After two years of training eight Air Traffic Control Officers (ATCOs) are certified and have assumed their responsibilities at Ogle and the Cheddi Jagan International Airports control towers.
Zulficar Mohamed,Director General of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) stated that from reports received, he is impressed with the zest and professionalism demonstrated by the newest batch.
“Air traffic control is a fast-paced job that requires an individual to be on the alert to control and maintain safety of Air Traffic operating within our airspace. As such the trainee ATCOs had to be proficient in the classroom, as well as, during their simulation training, hence the reason for the two year programme,” Mr. Mohamed stated.
At the moment, GCAA has shortlisted in excess of 40 individuals to undergo aptitude testing followed by interviews to begin the next training programme within the next few months.
Furthermore, four seasoned ATCOs have completed the theoretical training and are now undergoing on-the-job training as part of the aviation watchdog’s move to promote them and increase the staff level of the Area Control Centre.
According to Mr. Mohamed, GCAA’s aim is to increase the capability of the ATCOs. “These are the men and women that keep the aircraft and it passengers safe in our airspace and we must continue to develop their skills.”
