THE Head of State, Mr. Donald Ramotar, contends that the major projects started under the current Administration are important for Guyana, considering their potential for improving the life of the average Guyanese.“We are restoring the fund to areas that will make major impacts on the lives of people in Guyana,” he said, when asked about the funding for the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) modernisation project.
The massive modernisation project at the airport is reportedly moving apace and is on schedule. The project features three components: construction of a new terminal building measuring 16, 000 square metres, which will have eight passenger boarding bridges and two elevators, as well as CCTV and departure control systems; the Extension of the Main Runway by 3,500ft to a final length of 10,500ft, which will increase CJIA’s capacity to facilitate the landing of Boeing 747-400 aircraft; and the construction of eight international parking positions.
Government has signed a design-and-build contract to the tune of US$138M with the Chinese contractor. Under the contract, CHEC has 32 months to complete the project. The project is being partially funded by a US$130M loan from China, with the rest coming from the public treasury. The project is scheduled for completion in August 2015.
Also, the President was emphatic is stressing the Government’s commitment to this and other undertakings aimed at improving the lives of Guyanese.
Restorations for several development initiatives were included in a $4.6B financial paper that was tabled in the National Assembly on June 19 this year.

(Vanessa Narine)