More funds for CJIA expansion project
DPI, GUYANA, Friday, May 11, 2018
The Ministry of Public Infrastructure has garnered additional funds to continue work on the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) expansion project.
Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson was able to convince the National Assembly today to grant approval for just over $346M, which will allow for the provision of additional resources required to facilitate the purchase and installation of two additional boarding bridges for the expansion project.
Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson.
The sum is being requested will stand as a new contract that will be paid for by the government.
Late last month, Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, during a guided tour of the multimillion facility, said sections of the airport will be soon made available for use.
“In a few weeks, we will be opening sections of the airport, so this is our last chance to make any artistic adjustments. The departure lounges we saw downstairs will be opened for use next week. Progressively we will put one airline there from next week … and if everything is perfect we will move all the others there.”
Minister Patterson disclosed that the new arrival terminal will be opened in June.
Bids for automated kiosks to scan passports and speed up the immigration process are being sought. “The Minister of Citizenship, the airport authorities and the Ministers of Public Telecommunications and Business are seeking bids for automated kiosks for to scan your passport and go directly to immigration,” Minister Patterson said.
Further, the airport has incorporated Guyanese craft and pictorial images in keeping with a request made by President David Granger to ensure that the airport is uniquely Guyanese.
Efforts to improve the facilities continue at the country’s main airport. It has also attracted international air service providers as the country prepares for an influx of travellers with first oil expected in 2020
In November 2011, the previous administration and China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) inked a US$138M design and construction contract for the CJIA expansion project. The outstanding US$12M was provided by the government to facilitate works that will complement the modernisation.
By: Alexis Rodney.