Study confirms Lethem aerodrome upgrade feasible
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─ MOPI to invite proposal for detailed study within two weeks
─ prospective aerodrome upgrade expected to positively impact township
DPI, Guyana, Thursday, January 24, 2019
Following the presentation of the pre-feasibility study for the upgrade of the Lethem aerodrome to a regional airport, Chief Transport Officer of the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Patrick Thompson said the findings have determined that it would be feasible to move forward with the project.
The study was presented to stakeholders on Thursday morning at the Cara Lodge Hotel by GSD Plus Project Manager, Katherine Iarca.
Thompson said, “As a consequence, we at the Ministry will invite proposals in short order in the next 14 days or so from interested consultants to undertake a more detailed study of this project.”
The Chief Transport Officer explained the detailed study would include prospective designs along with impact assessments both environmental and social. It will also look at the demand from a broader prospect “looking at perhaps where demand can be derived from, regionally, in the Caribbean, Brazil, ”
Thompson is anticipating that within the next 12 months, the Ministry of Public Infrastructure will be furnished with the final designs in order to commence the rehabilitation of the aerodrome.
Lethem’s Mayor, John Macedo, told the Department of Public Information the upgrading of the aerodrome would have a “positive impact” on the township.
“It will also enhance the development of the town because there will be economic activity, which in turn will stimulate the local economy,” the Mayor remarked.
Echoing similar sentiments was the Upper Takatu Upper Essequibo, Region Nine Regional Chairman, Brian Allicock. He noted Brazil indicated “they want to have a link too…so that will have an impact on the Lethem township and the environs.”
The general objective of the study was to determine the main costs and benefits associated with the project and analyse the economic development impacts. The also study included the demand and economic analysis, design proposal and infrastructure budget. It was part of the Coalition Government’s plans to upgrade the airport’s runway and taxiway to meet International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards.
Anara Khan.
Image: Giovani Gajie.