–following yesterday’s inspection of both projects
PRESIDENT Donald Ramotar has expressed satisfaction with the progress being made on the East Bank Demerara four-lane road, and the expansion of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) following a visit yesterday to both projects.
President Donald Ramotar, Minister of Public Works, Robeson Benn and Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh at the Diamond end of the four-lane road, where some level of work has been completed
He was accompanied by Minister of Public Works, Robeson Benn, Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh, and several engineers.
After he and his team had inspected three segments of the East Bank road expansion project, namely at Mocha, Little Diamond and Diamond New Scheme, President Ramotar said he was satisfied with the way things were heading so far.
Speaking to the Government Information Agency (GINA) at the CJIA, the President noted that the new-look airport will bring Guyana up to world-class standards, which is very important for the country. This project is expected to meet its deadline of August 2015 as works are scheduled to commence on several aspects of the building during the course of this year. The East Bank four-lane expansion has a June deadline.
President Donald Ramotar looks on as Minister of Public Works, Robeson Benn does a quick test of the soil at the airport
Meanwhile, Minister Benn explained that there were some delays with the East Bank Road expansion, due to several factors, including inclement weather, supply of road materials, and the removal of utilities. He noted now that the weather has improved, works are progressing, and the latest completion date is June month-end.
CJIA’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ramesh Ghir said the airport expansion project is proceeding as planned, and the contractor is currently carrying out excavation work at the end of the runway.
Ghir further said that excavation and back-filling works have started on a test section of the runway, which is about 10 per cent of the runway extension, and that that in itself is about 70% complete.
“We anticipate that in a few months, we will begin the designs for the terminal building and start construction works on that building,” Ghir said.
The US$150M project is funded by the Government of China, through the Chinese Exim Bank. The expansion will cater for a new terminal building with eight boarding bridges, elevators and CCTV. The runway will be extended by 3,500 feet, and there will be eight international parking positions. (GINA)