Much needed rehabilitation works on airstrips in Chi Chi West, in the
Cuyuni-Mazaruni Region and Bemichi, in Barima-Waini will soon
commence.
At a post-Cabinet briefing today at the Ministry of the Presidency,
Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, disclosed that contracts in the sum
of $118M and $68M were awarded for work on the Chi Chi West and
Bemichi airstrips, respectively.
Minister Harmon noted that the airstrips are critical in the
transportation network for the villages and their environs; therefore,
their rehabilitation will improve livelihoods and produce immense
social and economic benefit to people of Bemichi and Chi Chi West.
In 2017 and for most of 2018, the Kurupung, Baramita, Kopinang,
Ekereku Bottom, Annai Kaikan, Paramakatoi, Kato and Eteringbang
airstrips were under rehabilitation. Despite delays with the
importation of the chemical stabiliser, the work on those airstrips
has been completed.
There are 51 licensed government operated airstrips in Guyana. Of the
51 airstrips, 47 are maintained by the Aerodrome Department of the
Ministry of Public Infrastructure, while the remaining four are
maintained by villagers. Regular inspections are conducted by the
Aerodrome Department to ensure there is compliance with GCAA
regulations.
