THE LAYING of the 570 kilometres of fibre-optic cable to be used in Government’s Information Communication Technology (ICT) thrust is progressing, with the work about 10 percent done. According to Public Works Engineer Walter Willis, the laying of the cable is being done in five lots, from Lethem to Annai; Annai to Kurupukari; Kurupukari to Mabura; Mabura to Wisroc Junction, Linden and Linden to Providence.
At present, contractors from Dax Engineering are laying the cable at the Wiscroc Junction. Lots One to Three were laid by Mekdeci Machinery and Construction. Dynamic Engineering will undertake the fifth lot.
Willis said that 59 kilometres of the cable will be suspended from Linden to Providence and that temporary suspension has already begun from Kuru Kuru to Soesdyke.
He said that the works were behind schedule and this was due to a number of prevailing conditions including equipment breakdown, and the delay in the acquisition of line hardware equipment.
Alexei Ramotar, Project Manager, noted that the division of lots will also facilitate the construction of repeater sites, essential for optimal signal strength, and the addition of new users. Ramotar said that the fibre optic cable will provide for high speed fibre access, with speeds of up to 10 gigabits per second in some areas.
This phase of the project is expected to be completed by the end of May, in time for the commencement of the Coastal project, expected to begin in June this year.
ICT Informatics Engineer Dustin Fraser disclosed that the cable used is the ideal in these situations and can be buried up to 1.5 metres below the earth’s surface with the ability to withstand the weight of the soil above.
He explained that before the project’s commencement, the cable’s capabilities were tested to ensure that important parametres were consistent with manufacturer specifications.
Fraser noted Guyana’s uniqueness in being one of the only countries in this part of the world that is investing in fibre optic technology that will augur well for the country’s ICT thrust.
Government’s investment in the fibre optic cable from Brazil is part fulfillment of its commitment to improve access to the internet locally, at a cheaper and more reliable rate.
President Bharrat Jagdeo believes the ICT sector will lead the way forward for Guyana and on this basis has pioneered a programme that will see 90,000 families, mostly less fortunate, benefitting from one laptop free of cost.