US $ 160M renewed and CJIA account now 95% complete
A decade later …
Artist’s impression of the new and modernized CJIA
Public Works Minister Juan Edghill with Project Manager Clarissa Goodings and CJIA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ramesh Ghir (right) on the tour of the facilities yesterday
Kaieteur News – Guyana may be closer to seeing work completed at Cheddi Jagan International Airport, albeit a decade later.
This was made known during a tour of the facility yesterday where Public Works Minister Juan Edghill revealed that the ongoing work at 95 per cent had been completed and was on track for the agreed deadline December 31.
During the trip, Minister Edghill expressed clear satisfaction at how quickly the refurbishment has progressed since the Government entered into the new agreement with the Chinese contractor, China Harbor Engineering Company (CHEC).
Having spent more than US $ 160 million, the Government had reached its limits with CHEC as it was not receiving favorable results with the contracts. “From all indications, we can express some satisfaction that most items, which were considered essential for the practicality of the airport are almost complete. Being able to say is a significant improvement before and I can tell you that the traveling public will be well served, ”said Minister Edghill.
Guyana’s new and modernized airport will receive a facelift along with an superstructure to house restaurants, duty-free shops and other passenger amenities along with the two additional airstrips to accommodate more aircraft.
Minister Edghill revealed that the Cabinet had approved $ 53 million in funds to complete needs repairs to the international taxis and apron plus an additional $ 150 million to refurbish CJIA’s office space – outside of work to be completed by CHEC.
While concerns have been expressed on the issue of bonds for the project, Minister Edghill explained that Guyana remains protected with a total US $ 13.9 million performance bond plus a $ 6.9 retainer bond to be exchanged when the project is complete.
Shoddy’s work along with years of delays led to the new deal in February, which outlined that CHEC would steal US $ 9 million to complete outstanding work on 71 items on the project.
Those included an extension of the airport’s residential corridor to accommodate two other passenger boarding bridges, providing a total of six boarding bridges to the airport that could serve aircraft such as the Boeing 777, Dreamliner, the AirBus and similar trans-Atlantic aircraft.
It will also mean that the terminal building will be extended to accommodate additional commercial space, including food courts and duty-free shops. The expanded building will feature a modern airport facade covering the full length of the Exit Terminal.