A local consortium have spearheaded an initiative that would soon fructify in less wearying travel to and from an aerodrome for international flights, especially for residents of Regions five and six.

Clearing works ongoing yesterday at the site where the new runway will be constructed. (Cullen Bess-Nelson photo)

The Ogle Airport Inc., of which Anthony Mekdeci is CEO and Project Coordinator of the expansion initiative, in collaboration with the Government of Guyana, has entered into the final stages of the expansion of the 2000 x 60 feet runway into expanded dimensions of 4000 x 100 feet that would be enabled to accommodate a Dash-8 carrier.

Phase 11 of the expansion and related activities, which is a Cariforum Project for Regional Infrastructure, according to Mekdeci, cost in the vicinity of 1.5 million euros and was funded by the European Union.

The entire works are projected to cost US$ 6 million, of which two-thirds of the amount – an estimated US$ 4 million, is being borne by the OAI.

The Project Coordinator has indicated his satisfaction with the performance of the contractor, B & K International, which he says have experience operators and practice good management.

Messrs Kit Nascimento, PR consultant to the consortium, and Mekdeci conducted the media on a tour of the runway under construction yesterday.

President Bharrat Jagdeo is slated to deliver the feature address at the Ceremonial Signing of the Contract for the completion of the Phase 11 Runway of a 4,000ft ICAO Class 11 Runway this afternoon at 4.00 p.m. at the Terminal Building at Ogle.