$137M in upgrades for Lethem airstrip
─ works to kickstart in 2 weeks
DPI, Guyana, Thursday, September 19, 2019
Lethem’s airstrip in Region 9, Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo is set to receive a significant boost to its operations with upcoming rehabilitative works. The award of this contract was noted by Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Hon. Jaipaul Sharma, at the commissioning of a taxiway at Eugene F. Correia International Airport on Thursday.
At $137M, Minister Sharma noted that works are to commence within 2 weeks following the signing of the contract on Friday, August 20. Within the scope of works, 4,000ft of runway will be paved.
While there are plans to pave the airstrip up to 6,000ft, he added that this will be done in phases.
Minister Sharma underscored the importance of aircraft operators to have suitable airstrips to both land and take off. In this regard, the Public Infrastructure Minister noted that a sturdy airstrip ensures safety to pilots, passengers and aircraft.
“This is good news for all the operators that will be using that particular aerodrome, that they will have access to it [the paved runway]. Hence, the Government of Guyana in a simple way is showing the commitment to providing the affordability for the operators.”
Under Budget 2019, $2Billion was approved for the maintenance and rehabilitation of airstrips in Regions 1, 7, 8 and 9.