KINGSTON - Government is currently pursuing an ‘evaluation of statuses’ of several infrastructural projects which were implemented by the previous administration. This was highlighted by Minister of State Joseph Harmon, who addressed the media at his post-Cabinet briefing from the Ministry of the Presidency on June 24, 2105.
Highlighting first the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) expansion project, Minister Harmon recapped that when the current Government was in the opposition, “strong statements were made regarding the need for an expanded and extended runway, better facilities and the need for transparency.”
Now that investigations are on-going, Cabinet’s attention was drawn to a number of glaring realities. According to Mr. Harmon, Minister of Public Infrastructure David Patterson related that the original budgeted amount of US$150M cannot suffice to complete the project in a way that will satisfy international standards for modern airports accommodating large aircraft. This conclusion was arrived at since it was discovered by the investigating unit that “several areas were not covered in the original project document.”
These include the equipment inside terminal (US$16M); navigational aids that must be changed and upgraded (US$1.3 M); completion of the existing generator building and pump house (US$60,000); the perimeter fence and security lights (US$565,000); completing the relocation of GDF mechanical and engineering department (US$250,000); and relocating of airport operators and other facilities (US$510, 000 ).
According to the Minister of State, an estimated additional amount of US$65 M is needed to complete the project from its present state to what it should really be if it will match what prevails in terms of an international airport.
The Minister also detailed that not only is the project lagging, but “US$30,000 has already been spent, that is, about 22% of the money allocated; yet only 6% of work has truly been effected.” He added that Cabinet has already mandated that the Minister of Public Infrastructure re-assess the project “with the aim of having the airport reach international standards to facilitate larger aircraft, modifying it to be completed with available funds already identified by the Exim Bank of China.
Minister Harmon also pointed out that even though there is tardiness thus far with the project, it will not suffer eventual termination. He explained that based on recent visits by high-level Chinese officials, including Wang Xiaofeng General Manager of China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) Americas Division, “it is a clear intention that the relationship with Government will continue and the project will not suffer because of lagging projects (with the previous government).”
. One idea in this expansion project was to create room for Guyana to become a hub, to serve flight routes to South America, Latin America and Africa. Amenities in mind at the time included the construction of a new terminal building; measuring 16,000 meters (existing is 8,500 sq. m). This building will have among other things eight passenger boarding bridges; two elevators; CCTV (Close Circuit Television); and departures control system. (GINA)
