The Guyana Government’s proposed trillion-dollar budget this year will see to the completion of works at four hinterland airstrips with an additional four more slated for upgrades this year.
Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh highlighted in his budget speech on Monday that the government continues to support the rehabilitation and maintenance of these hinterland airstrips to promote ease of access between Guyana’s coastal and hinterland regions.
In 2023, works significantly advanced at Ekereku Bottom, Eteringbang, Karisparu, and Pariuma airstrips. These airstrips are expected to be completed this year. In 2024, $2.3 billion has been allocated towards completion of these airstrips as well as the rehabilitation and maintenance of several others including the Imbaimadai, Kaieteur, Kaikan and Matthew’s Ridge airstrips.
River Transport
According to the minister, the sum of $8 billion was expended to river transport facilities in 2023.
Some key initiatives undertaken last year and budgeted for in 2024 are as follows:
• The MV Ma Lisha was commissioned to ply the Georgetown to Northwest District.
• Works on the ML Thompson, ML David P, Seamang and Splitbarge and dry docking of the MV Sandaka were completed. This year, rehabilitation works for the MV Malali, MV Makouria and MV Barima will be done, for which $405 million has been budgeted.
• Works advanced on the Bartica, Goods Wharf, Kumaka, Morawhanna and Port Kaituma stellings in 2023. These projects are slated to be completed in 2024. Also, this year, rehabilitation works on stellings including those at Parika, Supenaam and Wakenaam will be undertaken. A sum of $2.7 billion is allocated for these initiatives.
• Procurement was completed for the acquisition of a tug. The arrival of the tug in Guyana will enhance navigation services.
• Works to construct and rehabilitate navigational aids within the Demerara River and Mora Passage have significantly advanced and slated to be completed in 2024. Also in 2023, a multi-beam sonar with accessories and software was acquired. This year $950 million was allocated to further support navigational aid interventions.
In 2024, a sum of $8.1 billion is allocated to improve river transportation service.
