THE airstrips at Imbaimadai and Ekereku, in Region 7 (Cuyuni/Mazaruni) and Lethem in Region 9 (Upper Takutgu/Upper Essequibo) are to be resurfaced this year. Aerodrome Inspector in the Ministry of Works, Mr. Alphonso Mamgra said invitations to tender are out for qualified contractors who can work at those locations.
He said, over the years since their establishment, only routine maintenance has been done on those aircraft landings. However, in the past two years, there has been a tremendous increase in their use, due mainly to the rush for gold based on its high price.
“We get as many as 15 flights a day on these airstrips, with the increased usage leading to wear and tear and the need for resurfacing, particularly with the safety factor in mind,” Mamgra said.
He said there will be operating windows for aeroplanes to land and take off during the time the rehabilitation is being done.
The tenders close later this month and works are expected to start in July or early August.9