As Guyana awaits the completion of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) expansion project, which is slated for the end of 2017, according to Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson, airport security is also a top priority.
The minister stated that talks with representatives from China Harbour Engineering Corporation (CHEC) were fruitful and as of now what Guyana will “be getting is the new runway of 10,800 ft. We will be expanding and renovating the existing terminal. The previous design was for a brand new terminal and brand new location,” but that involved additional cost.
Patterson revealed that while the US$150 million contract remains intact what was formerly not disclosed was the fact that the relocation of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority along with the police station and the car park would have incurred additional charges beyond the contractual obligation, which would have resulted in some US$65 million excess spending.
“What we heard when we were in opposition is ‘it’s going to cost US$150 million,’ but what they neglected to tell you was to be able to achieve the end product… other areas and issues had to be considered. It was never reported. When we did the assessment [it] was US$65 million over and above what was previously reported,” Patterson said. He said it was necessary to have discussions with the contractor.
He stated that roughly 12 – 15 persons will need to be relocated, and while under the previous administration this was not catered for, out of the talks with CHEC, the contractor will bear the cost of relocation.
In late July and early August, the minister had met CHEC officials to resolve a US$46 million contract dispute. Under the terms of the original contract, the project was expected to cost US$138 million and an additional US$12 million from government. Both APNU and the AFC were critical of the project while in the opposition and voted against the funding of it multiple times.
Security
Meanwhile, Patterson revealed that government was accepting proposals for security contracts at the CJIA.
He named a Canadian company that currently contracts and provides security at Israeli airports as one firm that has gotten the attention of the ministry. Patterson did not state the cost as yet but did note that the process would be tendered should it move ahead.
He said security was being looked at from passengers to cargo and firms specialising in such measures would be considered, but a proven track record would weigh heavily in favour of such firms on consideration of proposals.
Calls for vamping up security at the CJIA comes on the heels of a major investigation into the smuggling of gold, which is currently underway.
