THE US$150M allocation for the Cheddi Jagan International Airport expansion project is insufficient, and Minister of State in Ministry of The Presidency, Joseph Harmon, during a post-cabinet briefing said the project could require another US$65M if the current design model is continued by the David Granger Administration. Harmon, speaking with reporters yesterday at the Ministry of the Presidency, Shiv Chanderpaul Drive, said Public Infrastructure Minister, David Patterson has advised Cabinet, that “based on investigations which he, and a technical team had done, it would appear that the US$150M identified for that project was far below that which was required to complete it.”
Harmon went on to explain that the technical team identified areas for additional funding which amounted to some US$65M. Those included terminal equipment, navigation aids, and updates to other infrastructure around the complex, as well as US$250,000 for the relocation of the Guyana Defence Force Electrical and Mechanical Engineering Department.
The minister then went on to defend the position taken by the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), and the Alliance For Change (AFC), who were critical of the expansion works in the 10th Parliament.
“The statements made by us were always tended to the view that we needed an expanded runway, we needed some better facilities, and we needed a transparent process by which things were done,” Harmon said.
Harmon disclosed only US$30,000 has been spent on the project so far. He added that according to Public Infrastructure officials, “that was no more than six percent of the work done, even though at least 22 percent of the project cost had already been spent.”
Cabinet, according to Harmon, has mandated the Public Works Minister to review the project with the hope of coming up with a different model.
“One which will see the expansion and extension of the runway to satisfy the international requirements for large-type aircraft landing and operating out of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, and a modified airport terminal, which would allow us to complete the project within the funds that are available,” Harmon noted.
The Government Information Agency (GINA) reported in January of this year, the US$150M project was being funded by the Government of Guyana through the EXIM Bank of China. GINA also reported that China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) will be executing the work at the value of US$138M.
While noting that this Administration will honour Guyana’s obligations in the contract, Harmon was optimistic about relations between Guyana and China following courtesy calls by officials from the People’s Republic of China, as well as the General Manager of China Harbour Engineering Company, on separate occasions.
Public Infrastructure Minister, David Patterson is expected to present another report to Cabinet on the status of the project; that report will be reviewed and, according to Harmon, Cabinet will make its decision.