Upgrades to Bemichi, Chi Chi airstrips to commence shortly

DPI, Guyana, Monday, September 24, 2018

Much needed rehabilitation works on airstrips in Chi Chi West, in the Cuyuni-Mazaruni Region and Bemichi, in Barima-Waini will soon commence.

At a post-Cabinet briefing today at the Ministry of the Presidency, Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, disclosed that contracts in the sum of $118M and $68M were awarded for work on the Chi Chi West and Bemichi airstrips, respectively.

Minister Harmon noted that the airstrips are critical in the transportation network for the villages and their environs; therefore, their rehabilitation will improve livelihoods and produce immense social and economic benefit to people of Bemichi and Chi Chi West.

In 2017 and for most of 2018, the Kurupung, Baramita, Kopinang, Ekereku Bottom, Annai Kaikan, Paramakatoi, Kato and Eteringbang airstrips were under rehabilitation. Despite delays with the importation of the chemical stabiliser, the work on those airstrips has been completed.

There are 51 licensed government operated airstrips in Guyana. Of the 51 airstrips, 47 are maintained by the Aerodrome Department of the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, while the remaining four are maintained by villagers. Regular inspections are conducted by the Aerodrome Department to ensure there is compliance with GCAA regulations. 

Ranetta La Fleur.

Image: Department of Public Information.