– Funds cut for Amaila access road and CJIA expansion

AS threatened, the Parliamentary Opposition did not support funds falling under the Public Works Ministry to the tune of $1.3B which was allocated for the completion of the Amaila Falls access road, as well as the $6.5B allocated towards the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) expansion project.

In 2013, a similar cut of the funds for the CJIA expansion had resulted in a delay of construction works. However, Government persisted and with the contractor, China Harbour Engineering Company Limited (CHEC), works began, and currently work is ongoing on the project.

A new, modern terminal building would be constructed with the runway extended to accommodate larger aircraft.

Government signed a design and build contract to the tune of US$138M with the Chinese contractor. The project is being partially funded by a US$130M loan from China with the rest coming from the public treasury.

The parliamentary Opposition questioned the feasibility of spending that much money on the project. Minister of Public Works Robeson Benn justified the need for the expanded airport, pointing to the current airport’s limited space, severe constraints and not enough check-in booths, especially in the peak season.

Meanwhile, the Amaila Falls Access Road which was less than two miles from completion in January is being undertaken in a number of segments, with the Ministry of Public Works assuming responsibility for ‘section two.’ That section which runs along the Mabura Road to the Essequibo River was allocated the funds for its completion and this was rejected by the Opposition.

An expanded airport will result in Guyana gaining more revenues and taxes, increased numbers of investors, and the country becoming a travel hub for South America.
In 2013, the Opposition slashed the entire $5.6B transport budget under which the CJIA expansion was catered for. Equipment to ensure safer operations for the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority and repair and maintenance of about 45 airstrips were affected as a result of the cut.

(GINA)