KINGSTON - River and sea transportation facilities will be improved for better services to the travelling public, Minister of Public Infrastructure David Patterson told the National Assembly during Friday’s sitting.
Wharves and stellings are to be rehabilitated, since these facilities are key to enhancing competitiveness, both locally and internationally; in addition to fostering economic growth, supporting value added production, while facilitating better access to markets.
The procurement of a new ferry for the North West district, and the return of a similar service across the Berbice River are being actively pursued, Minister Patterson also revealed. And giving an update on the construction of the paved road from Lethem to Linden, he stated, “Within this government’s first five years we intend to make concrete steps to making this a realisation,” as the hinterland and coastland must be linked.
There are also plans to reintroduce large buses on long routes; enforce weight limits and speed on heavy-duty vehicles; the development of a road transportation policy, and the establishment of a transportation authority for the coordination of public transport functions which are diffused across the country, Minister Patterson further reported.
Announcing other strategic measures, the minister said that all sea and riverain defence works will now be consolidated under the ministry’s Coastal Protection Unit. The Marine Administration Department will, over the next five years, be pursuing deep water projects with international stakeholders; dredging operations will recommence with the acquisition of a new dredger to keep key waterways clear; and safety features on boats will be enhanced with better training for captains and crews.
All of the aforementioned will be part of a Port Master Plan, which is being drafted and will be implemented in a phased manner, “culminating in the infrastructure development, effective dredging and maintenance of all our ports, harbours and rivers on which national and international traffic depends”.
Continuing on plans for his sector, Minister Patterson emphasised that the vulnerability of the current Demerara River Bridge has prompted the government to pursue the drafting of plans to bridge the river at another point. He also highlighted that the Cheddi Jagan International Airport expansion plan has been revised, and only 15 homes may have to be relocated, because of their proximity to the airport. Assistance will be provided to those who will have to remove from the current locale.
It is Government’s intention that during its first term, the CJIA obtains Category 1 rating, in keeping with international aviation standards.
In terms of energy, government will increase monitoring of those who supply various fuels, and will advocate for the installation of a Wind Farms to supply energy to the national grid, the minister said. He added that a study will commence soon to examine the uses of this alternative power source on the Essequibo Coast.
The review of the Amaila Falls Hydro-power project is now in progress, and if it does not continue in its current form, available options will be examined for alternative uses of the road to the proposed project site.
Finally, Minister Patterson reported that an upgrading of the Guyana Power and Light Company and its management structure will be undertaken to take advantage of cheaper electricity supplies, as well as measures to reduce power losses.
