The Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) expansion project is
still on schedule to be completed by December 31, says Minister of
Public Infrastructure David Patterson.
Work on the runway which began in 2013, resumed in late 2016 after the
loan was restructured under the Coalition government.
In a recent interview with the Department of Public Information (DPI),
Minister Patterson said the new Arrivals and Departure sections have
been opened to passengers. He added that two of the boarding bridges
are operational while two others will be operational next month.
“There are other ongoing works at the airport: we’re preparing a new
access road, a new roundabout at the airport and some internal works.
So, CJIA is up and running. With the International Civil Aviation
Conference Organisation (ICAO) conference coming up in November and
American Airlines starting operations on November 14, we hope to show
off the country and attract other carriers as well,” Minister
Patterson explained.
The new Arrivals terminal became operational in September and is
already receiving commendation from passengers.
The outstanding work includes placement of hoardings (billboards) and
striping of the runway (to reduce the risk of aircraft over-shooting
the runway, or over-flying during take-off). The striping can only be
done after the laying of asphaltic concrete on the runway has been
completed.
Further, when the project is completed other minor works will be done
during the one-year defects and liability period, Minister Patterson
said.
“… even when all the works are completed, there is a one-year defects
and liability and commissioning period. Therefore, while, the project
will be handed over, you would see a workman or two going around to
ensure that everything is functioning. We’ve commissioned all the
washrooms in the new terminal building, but after three months we have
to check it up,” Minister Patterson said.
On completion, the $31.2Billion (US$150Million) expansion projected is
expected to have four air passenger boarding bridges for Arrivals and
Departures; a 450-seating Departure area, escalators and elevators in
addition to an extended runway catering for larger categories of
aircraft. The airport has also incorporated Guyanese craft and
pictorial images in keeping with a request made by President David
Granger to ensure that the airport is uniquely Guyanese.
Earlier in the year, the ministry had sought more than $346Million in
supplementary funding to cater for two air bridges and see the project
to completion.
