Plans are in the works to extend the airstrip at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), Timehri so that it can accommodate 747-400 aircraft.
In this year’s budget, $178M has been allocated to commence preparatory work on designing an extension of the CJIA airstrip by 3,500 feet to accommodate 747-400 aircrafts, and extension of the arrival and departure lounges with attendant air bridges, Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh said in his budget presentation to the National Assembly on Monday.
Further, a sum of $88M was allocated for the construction and rehabilitation of the Leguan airstrip and an additional $40 million for the maintenance of other domestic aerodromes across the country.
The government budgeted for the Leguan airstrip in 2008, 2009 and last year, but the project has not substantially gotten off the ground.
The minister recalled that last year, approximately $367M was expended to further develop and upgrade the Ogle International Airport with an extended runway, which now accommodates Dash 8 series aircraft. In addition, $140M was spent to upgrade equipment at the Civil Aviation Authority.
The 39 original aerodromes were inspected and maintained during the year, while works on Wakenaam airstrip were substantially completed, he said.
Further, asphaltic works on the taxiway and apron of the CJIA airstrip were completed.
The transportation and storage sector recorded 6.4% growth last year, reflecting increased motor vehicle importation and registration, improved coastal to interior overland transportation links, and increased productive activity in the hinterland, Singh said. “The link between the coastal and hinterland communities as well as our international partners is critical to both our social and economic development and having recognized this government continues to allocate resources toward the expansion and maintenance of the air and river transport sector,” he added.
Singh announced that to promote a fast and reliable ferry service across the major rivers and outlying areas of the country, $173M has been budgeted for the modification of the Parika and Supenaam stellings and the construction of the Kumaka wharf.
Further, $366M was allocated towards the procurement of two roll on/roll off vessels, which will complement the other aging vessels.
In addition, $382M is budgeted for the docking and rehabilitation of Dredge Steve ‘N,’ split Barge MB Baramani and MV Torani, while the acquisition of spares and navigational aids will continue to ensure uninterrupted and reliable operations.
In addition, the minister also said that $479M was expended on the rehabilitation of the Leguan and Bartica stellings and the docking of several vessels including the MB Barima and MV Malali.
