-Ministry of Public Works shuts down reports that airstrip isn’t operational; further assessments underway
THE Ministry of Public Works has poured cold water on the claims surrounding the Paruima Airstrip and has disclosed that it is operational.
A statement from the ministry highlighted that works on the rehabilitation of the airstrip were completed on April 14, 2024, and the project site was handed over to the ministry on April 15. Subsequently, the ministry’s representatives, along with the contractor, conducted a joint site visit on June 19, 2024, following reports from aircraft operators that the runway was in distress.

During the inspection, several surface defects were highlighted and the contractor was given clear instructions to have these defects remedied within one week.
The statement read, “To date, these defects have since been corrected and MoPW is currently executing plans to assess the structural integrity of the remainder of the runway structure to ensure conformity with design strength and correct any possible area of deficiency to avoid further inconvenience to aircraft operations.”

Further, to debunk any misleading speculations, the ministry said that the video that is currently circulating on social media platforms was taken before June 19, 2024.
Due to the remoteness of the location and the logistical challenges in transporting equipment and materials to the site, according to the Ministry, smaller-sized equipment and locally available materials were most feasible for the rehabilitation of the airstrip.

As it relates to the competency of the contractor, Port Kaituma and Baramita Airstrips were both rehabilitated by the Contractor in 2020 and 2021, respectively, the Ministry said.
Further, the surface type of these airstrips is double bituminous surface treatment; they are in very good condition and no defects were observed to date.
“In summary, Rehabilitation of Paruima Airstrip is currently under the Defects Liability Period and the Contractor is obligated by Contract to remedy any and all defects arising thereafter,” the Ministry said.

The construction of this infrastructure was awarded to International Import & Supplies by the government, through the Ministry of Public Works, at a cost of over $397 million in 2023.
During the reading of the National Budget in 2023, Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance and Public Service, Dr. Ashni Singh announced that $1.6 billion was earmarked for the rehabilitation of several airstrips, including Paruima’s and the one at Matthews Ridge, in Region One (Barima-Waini).