There has been a detailed engineering review of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) expansion project, Minister of Public Works Robeson Benn said on Friday, and laboratory work is currently being done.
However, he told members of the media at a press conference, removal of the vegetation, which it had been estimated would have started by now, is yet to begin. He blamed the delay on the “spanner in the works”, a reference to the budget cuts by the opposition.
“This is a serious issue and it has been held up right now because of the recent budget cuts,” Benn said. The budget cuts he stated have caused a delay in the taking of certain steps between the China Harbour company which is responsible for the expansion and Guyana.
According to Benn, there was a detailed engineering review last week with the contractors and specialists to refine the engineering. “There is laboratory work being done, but the heavy earth moving and other work hasn’t started.”
When questioned where the funds will come from to facilitate the project, Benn said, “We have to go ahead because we spent US$20 million on it.
“Either we let the money go down the drain and forget about it, but the question is whether Guyana needs the project or not,” Benn stated.
The multimillion dollar expansion project which began in January was cut completely from the budget after the combined opposition used its majority to vote down the entire $5.6 billion allocated for the transport sector.
Benn added that currently there are discussions going on at the level of the two opposition parties concerning the issue.
“This is not a project that Guyana can abandon,” the minister said.
When asked about the relocation of the persons who are squatting near to the airport, Benn said, “We are working along with the presence of the Ministry of Housing to give these persons house lots in Yarowkabra.
Those who may not want to be in Timehri area will be relocated to other areas on the coast.
“The land has to be reclaimed and sequestered for the use of the airport.”
Benn added that they anticipate the removals phased over three areas. “I cannot come on your personal land and squat, we told these people years ago not to build on the land because they will have to move at some time.” He made it clear that they will not be building the houses for these persons, but merely making land available for them to move.
