The Government of Guyana (GoG) is proposing the injection of an additional $2.5B into the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, which has been under renovations for the past eight years. Making this revelation today, was the Minister within the Office of the President with responsibility for finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, as he delivered the $383.1B budget for 2021.
Dr. Singh said that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), upon assuming office in August 2020, was confronted with a “poorly redesigned” airport, which prompted the administration to take “drastic measures” to remedy the situation. He added that initiatives were taken to ensure that the project fulfils its commitment to be a modern international airport.
To this end, he noted that the government engaged the contractor and requested two additional boarding bridges to accommodate large transatlantic aircraft. Further, the government requested the construction of a new commercial complex to house additional duty-free shops, restaurants and lounges. He was quick to point out that these additions will be done at no extra cost to Guyana.
The $2.5B will be spent to further upgrade and modernise the airport and to finance other major improvements including the rehabilitation of the airport and airline administration offices, and the outfitting of the commercial complex.
Additionally, the sum of $415M is budgeted for the completion, upgrade and rehabilitation of several hinterland airstrips.
