The Paruima Airstrip, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), which became infamous in June 2024 due to several mishaps, continues to pose challenges for residents as repairs to it continue.
In an interview with Stabroek News (SN), a resident of the village, who chose to remain anonymous out of fear of retribution, provided insights into the persistent issues troubling the community.
According to the resident, the problems began June 3rd,2024 when the first plane piloted by an Air Services pilot landed at 10: 38 am and got stuck. This was less than two months after the over $397 million airstrip’s commissioning. “I was on that Air Services flight,” a passenger recalled. “The landing was fine initially, but the pilot veered near the edge of the strip. Since it was a new airstrip, I didn’t realize this would be a problem. The pilot suggested we push the plane, but it was immovable. We had to unload and use a tractor to transport the cargo. Contractors on site had advised that planes should land in the centre of the strip to avoid such issues.”
A week later, the same pilot returned, only to face the same problem when the plane got stuck again. “Contractors downplayed the issue as minor and recommended just a small patch,” the source noted. “The pilot, having encountered the problem twice, decided he wouldn’t return. Given the challenging terrain, skilled pilots are essential for Paruima, so his decision was understandable.”
The situation worsened a week later when a Trans Guyana airplane also got stuck, marking the third incident. This event gained widespread attention when a video of the stranded plane went viral. “The viral video was crucial in bringing the issue to light,” the source explained. “Prior to its release, no significant action was taken. Contractors had instructed us to remain silent and avoid sharing any media. The video’s leak was what prompted the repair efforts.”
According to the resident, the video was pivotal in addressing the airstrip’s issues, which had previously been neglected. “It seems unlikely that the airstrip would have been repaired quickly without the video,” the source concluded.
The resident also criticized the quality of materials used in the construction. “We provided samples of rocks and sand, but the contractors proceeded based on their own assessment,” the source said. “They ignored our recommendations for better materials, and now they are using the granite stone we had suggested from the beginning.”
The community’s struggles have been exacerbated as a result of the
airstrip’s poor condition, forcing villagers to travel through Kamarang, which incurs higher costs. “Transporting goods through Kamarang is significantly more expensive,” a resident explained. “We were optimistic about the airstrip, which would have simplified the process. Now, the additional costs are a strain on us.”
The airstrip’s problems were initially recognized during the Toshao elections. “When I inspected the airstrip, it felt like jelly underfoot,” the resident said. “I advised against using it, but my concerns were dismissed. Eventually, temporary patches were applied, but the underlying issues persisted.”
Currently, according to the resident, a Brazilian company is working on repairs in collaboration with the main contractor, International Import & Supplies. “They were surprised to find themselves fixing existing problems rather than constructing a new airstrip,” the resident added.
The Ministry of Public Works acknowledged that the Paruima Airstrip, still within its Defects Liability Period, required repair work shortly after its April 2024 commissioning. Minister of Public Works Juan Edghill defended the airstrip’s condition, attributing current issues to the rainy season. “The contractor is responsible for addressing these defects,” he said.
Edghill emphasized ongoing efforts to resolve the issues, including recent discussions with the Toshao, the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), and other stakeholders. Despite challenges such as unfavourable weather, repairs are ongoing.
A report in SN in May 2024 highlighted residents’ concerns about the airstrip. Edghill assured that repair costs would be covered by the contractor, as the airstrip is still under warranty.
The airstrip has been closed for operational use since July, with ongoing development work aimed at resolving the issues. The Ministry of Public Works confirmed that surface defects identified during an inspection in June 2024 have been addressed, and plans are underway to assess and ensure the structural integrity of the airstrip.
