In light of reports on the poor condition of the Baramita Airstrip, officials from the Ministry of Public Infrastructure and the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority, along with the project’s contractor, visited the airstrip to conduct an assessment.
The visit occurred on June 19, 2018 and from it a number of issues were identified, including the absence of routine maintenance of the airstrip and misuse of the runway. A report outlining the condition of the runway and the way forward was also compiled.
Meanwhile, the Ministry will undertake inspections of all other airstrips where this method of sealing was used to ensure similar issues do not occur. The Ministry will also review the performance of maintenance contracts to ensure that projects were executed properly. If it is discovered that same is unacceptable, immediate action will be taken since the safety of passengers is the top priority.
Furthermore, the Ministry will take up the opportunity during the upcoming National Toshaos Council to hold discussions with village leaders on the usage and their responsibilities over airstrips in their villages, with the aim of working closer with the elected councils in the future.