CHEC agrees to meeting with APNU on CJIA project

The A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) said it will soon be meeting the principals of China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) as the coalition seeks more clarifications about the US$138 million airport expansion project.

At a news conference last Thursday, APNU Member of Parliament Joseph Harmon said the party had received a favourable response from CHEC for a meeting regarding the mega project. Harmon explained that in a letter to the Chinese firm, the APNU had expressed disappointment at the company’s failure to hold consultations with the joint parliamentary opposition on the expansion of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), during its recent visit to Guyana. CHEC inked an apology on Wednesday, noting that the purpose of the visit was merely to consult with the Public Works Ministry on the expansion of the airport.
Nevertheless, the two parties have agreed to meet, and according to the APNU parliamentarian, key questions will be raised in the interest of all Guyanese.
“China Harbour is not giving us a grant, it is a loan and what we need to understand are the terms and conditions of this loan… now this is money that has to be repaid. At what interest rate are we repaying this money? When are we going to start doing payments? Would we be able to sustain payment of that sum of money from the project itself ?” Harmon lamented.
He said while the party welcomes development and China’s assistance, all major political parties and citizens alike must be consulted with on the initiation of micro and macro projects that would affect their livelihoods.
“We appreciate the developmental help from the Chinese; I believe that every citizen would like to have a better airport, better roads, better schools, better conditions, but we need to know what we are getting into.”
In explaining the rationale behind the party’s argument, the parliamentarian said Guyana is among the poorest countries in the southern hemisphere, and as such, the country’s finances and resources must be effectively utilised as it initiates steps towards further development and progression.
“We are a poor country and, therefore, every cent that we spend that commits monies that would affect the lives of our citizens for not only this year and the following year but for many years to come, that we have to be very careful about – how that money is spent.” Harmon said Guyana cannot afford to “mortgage” the future generation. The party also expressed its disappointment over the proposal of the expansion of the CJIA.
“We want to make it clear that Guyana is an independent country… and that where as China or any country around the world would have our best interest at heart, they would be concerned about the development of this country, that ultimately whatever development takes place here must be our initiatives.”
The CJIA expansion project which was signed in November 2011 includes extension of the main runway by another 1000 metres, a larger terminal building, passenger bridges, and increased security.