By: Samuel Sukhnandan
The governments of Guyana and China on Wednesday inked a framework agreement for the commencement of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) Expansion Project, at Timehri.
The agreement will see the government receiving a concessional loan of US$130 million with the help of the Chinese government, to support the expansion project.
President Donald Ramotar expressed his appreciation for the support from the Chinese government. The president said the CJIA Expansion Project is intended to create a new kind of infrastructural development in the country. He noted that his administration has launched this new development, especially with the first ever hydro power project being created, and plans to develop more four lane highways.
“This airport project like the hydro power project is very important in taking us in the direction that we want to go. I would like to thank the people and government of China in helping us in this way.”
Ramotar noted that the Chinese government has been supportive of Guyana and many other developing countries the world over, and credited this to the solidarity the Peoples Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) has given to the Chinese government, especially during the Chinese Revolution.
Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh said Guyanese have been able to witness under the PPP/C massive transformation in every aspect of national life. He said there is evidence of modernisation and transformation unfolding in Guyana, both in physical and social infrastructure. The finance minister posited that the CJIA expansion and other major projects, add up to the exciting transformation in Guyana.
He underscored the importance of the expansion project, noting that it will create long term employment opportunities for many more Guyanese.
Expansion of transport linkages
Once completed, it is expected that international airlines using all types of aircraft will be able to land in Guyana, which will expand transport linkages for the country. It will also generate job opportunities, not only by direct activities generated by the airport, but by increasing economic activities at the restaurant outlets and shops at the facility.
Dr Singh stated that this development will add to the progress being made on the East bank Demerara corridor, creating more businesses and increased commercial activities.
Construction of the new airport terminal will be carried out by China Harbour and Engineering Corporation (CHEC) and is expected to be completed within 32 months. The geotextile work for the terminal building and taxi ways and a 1000 meter runway extension so far, have been completed. Transport Minister Robeson Benn revealed that samples are undergoing laboratory analysis by engineers, while all parties are looking forward to commencing the project by the first quarter of next year.
