— Upgraded 4,200-foot runway to accommodate larger aircraft, improve emergency access to Region One communities

THE newly upgraded Matthews Ridge a irstrip in Region One is expected to significantly improve hinterland connectivity, facilitate emergency medical evacuations and create new economic opportunities for residents and businesses across the Matarkai sub-region.
The facility, which features an extended 4,200-foot runway, upgraded surface and lighting to support 24-hour operations, is expected to accommodate larger aircraft and improve the movement of passengers, goods and essential services into the mining community and surrounding areas.
On Friday, Director General of the Ministry of Public Utilities and Aviation, Alfonso De Armas, accompanied by Senior Aviation Adviser Lenox Shuman, MP, and Ministry Legal Adviser James Bond, MP, visited the newly completed facility to assess the works and engage residents on issues affecting their communities.

A technical team from the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) also inspected the airstrip as part of the assessment of the upgraded infrastructure ahead of its anticipated commissioning.
Speaking during the visit, Shuman said the project forms part of the government’s broader commitment to modernising hinterland airstrips and improving accessibility for remote communities.
“The government is committed to improving all the runways in the hinterland, making transport a lot easier for people,” he said.
Shuman, a pilot, expressed satisfaction with the quality of the completed works, particularly the runway’s extended length and improved surface.
“What I can tell you about the surface right now, where we’re standing, it is very impressive,” he said.
Drawing on his aviation experience, Shuman indicated that the upgraded runway has the potential to accommodate larger aircraft, including the Dash 8 Q400, subject to the necessary technical and safety requirements.
He explained that further improvements are being considered, including perimeter fencing and possible adjustments to an adjoining road to strengthen safety around the facility.
Shuman also emphasised that infrastructural improvements must be accompanied by greater public awareness of aviation safety, particularly the need to keep animals, unauthorised persons and other obstructions off the runway.
“We are also here to ensure that the residents and the people of Matthews Ridge and surrounding areas understand that aviation safety is also very critical,” he said.
Providing technical details, GCAA Chief Aerodrome Inspector, Jeffrey Braithwaite, disclosed that the upgraded runway measures 4,200 feet in length and 80 feet in width.
He said the facility also features two taxiways and an aircraft parking apron capable of accommodating approximately four aircraft simultaneously.
According to Braithwaite, plans are being considered for additional infrastructure, including a new annex and perimeter fencing, to support larger aircraft operations and prevent unauthorised access to the airstrip.
Meanwhile, Assistant Regional Executive Officer for the Matarkai sub-region, Jason Ramjohn, welcomed the development, noting that the improved facility is expected to bring considerable benefits to residents of Matthews Ridge, Port Kaituma and neighbouring communities.
He said improved air access would facilitate more efficient medical evacuations, strengthen transportation links and potentially reduce the cost of moving people and supplies into the mining district.
Ramjohn also expressed appreciation to President Dr Irfaan Ali and the government for the investment, describing the upgraded airstrip as an important addition to the sub-region’s infrastructure.
WATER, ELECTRICITY CONCERNS ADDRESSED
Beyond the aviation infrastructure, the ministerial team also engaged residents of Minab and Heaven Hill, who raised concerns about unreliable water supply and electricity services.
Following those engagements, De Armas disclosed that a technical assessment of the water distribution system would be undertaken to identify the causes of intermittent supply and develop corrective measures.
He acknowledged that some communities are experiencing sectional water distribution, with residents sometimes failing to receive water even during their scheduled supply periods.
“Many areas around here have sectional delivery. Apart from the sectional delivery, even when their section is scheduled, they don’t get water on time, and so we’re not happy with that,” De Armas said.
He explained that he had instructed the technical team to conduct a comprehensive diagnostic assessment and prepare a plan to address the deficiencies.
“I instructed the team to come and do a diagnostic, make sure that we have a plan first, that we understand what the issue is, and that we have a plan to fix it,” he said.
The Director General indicated that he expects feedback from the team by the end of the following week.
Another matter identified during the visit was the need for better coordination between electricity supply and water pumping operations.
De Armas explained that Matthews Ridge Power and Light currently operates a new generating engine, supplying electricity between 3:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m.
However, the existing operating schedule affects the ability of Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI), an agency under the Ministry of Public Utilities and Aviation, to pump water during the morning.
To address this, he has directed GWI and Matthews Ridge Power and Light to coordinate their operational schedules to improve the reliability of water distribution.
He said a report outlining the proposed adjustments is also expected by the end of the following week.
Reflecting on the visit, De Armas described the engagement as productive, noting that the team was able to assess the completed aviation works while hearing directly from residents about challenges affecting their daily lives.
The upgraded Matthews Ridge Airstrip forms part of ongoing government investments in hinterland aviation infrastructure aimed at strengthening regional connectivity, improving access to essential services and supporting economic activities in remote communities.