Minister of Public Works Juan Edghill on Monday said that the rehabilitation of the Eteringbang airstrip in Region Seven, an essential access point for the local community, is expected to be completed before the end of this year.
“Before the end of the year, the Eterinbang airstrip will be completed”, he said. This announcement comes after a delay from the original deadline of July 2023 and then the updated deadline of December 2023.
The airstrip, constructed of laterite, has faced significant safety concerns for several years. Local pilots have reported that heavy rainfall turns the runway dangerously slippery, complicating both takeoffs and landings. Erosion has further exacerbated the issue, prompting Edghill to visit the area in 2020 to address community complaints about the deteriorating conditions.
In response, the government awarded a $500,000 contract to local residents to clear vegetation around the airstrip. By September 2022, the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) had begun upgrading the airstrip to concrete pavement, with a budget of $214.5 million earmarked for the project. This upgrade will cover approximately 2,100 feet of the runway, which is critical for delivering essential goods such as food and medicine to the region.
However, the airstrip’s prolonged closure has forced residents to rely on the Cuyuni River for transportation, exposing them to risks from Venezuelan border patrols and gangs. Travelers report facing harassment at multiple checkpoints, where armed guards often demand payments for the goods they transport. This has led to significant difficulties for the community, with some residents feeling they have no choice but to relocate due to the ongoing challenges.
