FOR the third time running, the Parliamentary opposition has been unable to prove allegations of corruption and secret deals in government projects, specifically the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) expansion project. The National Communications Network (NCN) hosted Corruption Debate series continued Sunday evening, with a live discussion on the US$150M CJIA project.
A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) was again noticeably absent.
Both China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) and its parent company, Communications Construction Company Ltd. (CCCC), have recently come under intense scrutiny in Guyana and Jamaica because of revelations that the World Bank has debarred them until 2017 for bribery.
The Alliance for Change (AFC) expressed concern about the credibility of the company in relation to the agreement inked with Guyana for the CJIA expansion, saying it was a ‘secret deal’ and alleging measures of corruption surrounding the project.
Sunday evening’s panel to debate the issue consisted of Gerhard Ramsaroop, Executive Member of the AFC; Minister of Housing and Water, Irfaan Ali; Ronald Webster, Chairman of the Private Sector Commission; Ramesh Ghir, CEO of the CJIA; and Minister of Public Works, Robeson Benn. The debate was moderated by Al Creighton, Vice Chancellor of the University of Guyana.
All members of the panel agreed, without exception, that there was essential need for the speedy expansion of the CJIA, and the relocation of the surrounding community must be done swiftly and in a fair manner.
The claims of a secret deal were debunked by the AFC Executive himself, when Ramsaroop, in his opening statement, acknowledged that the project was mentioned in the National Development Strategy issued in 1992. He later mentioned that he had read the contract between the Government of Guyana and Exxon Bank of China for the project.
Ministers Ali and Benn were supported by Webster and Ghir, as it was clearly outlined that the expansion project was essential for the transformation of Guyana and its economy, for the country to become the hub for South American travel, and in-transit port for Africa, Europe and the Middle East. The expansion project is also essential for  handling the steady increase of passengers through the CJIA.
Minister Ali debunked Ramsaroop’s assertions that there was no feasibility study done, while Minister Benn pointed out that awarding the contract to the state owned Chinese company has resulted in Guyana saving over US $38M.
Ramsaroop also put forward the contention that government had allowed a community to spring up in the location targeted for the expansion. This was slammed by Minister Benn who pointed out that government has a relocation plan in place for which persons are already availing themselves. Minister Benn also pointed out that for several years notices have been constantly given to persons to relocate from the area.
The debate ended with all parties agreeing on the need for the expanded airport to be put in place swiftly, and acknowledging that the need for the back-up infrastructure is also critical.
It was noted that there was no allegation of corruption made pointing to any specific issue, person or amounts involved.
The Government of Guyana approved a US$138M design and construction contract with CHEC for a project expected to include an extension of the airport runway to a total of 10,800 feet to accommodate large transatlantic aircraft such as the Boeing 747, along with construction of a new terminal building, acquisition of eight boarding bridges, and installation of other state-of-the-art equipment such as elevators, escalators, and x-ray scanners, using three-dimensional technology along with flight information and security monitoring systems.
Once completed, the project would ensure that the CJIA is able to meet the needs of projected traffic for several years into the future, along with becoming a hub for regional and continental traffic.
The expanded facilities at the airport are also expected to generate a wide range of economic activities, and create business and employment opportunities for thousands of persons, both in the construction and operation phases of the airport.
Construction will commence this year and is expected to take a total of 32 months. This project represents the latest of Government’s ongoing efforts to transform and modernise the infrastructural landscape of the country, including a four-lane highway to Timehri, which is already under construction.