Millions more have been allocated for the construction of new airstrips at Wakenaam and Leguan.
Making the 2009 Budget presentation to the National Assembly yesterday, Minister of Finance Dr Ashni Singh said that $184 million has been allocated for the construction of new airstrips at Leguan and Wakenaam, rehabilitation of the Mahdia Airstrip, and maintenance of domestic aerodromes, to expand and enhance the facilities for faster domestic travel and ensure safety of all using these facilities. In last year’s budget, $108 million had been allocated for the construction of two new airstrips at Wakenaam and Leguan and the rehabilitation of the Baramita airstrip.

In the air transport sector, in addition to the $780 million previously earmarked for the modernization of air traffic control equipment, the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority has been allocated a further $30 million. Singh also said that under another strategic public private partnership, work will commence this year on the extension of the Ogle Airport runway and essential navigation and other equipment procured, to enable the airport to accommodate regional flights.

Meanwhile, for this year, $2.2 billion has been allocated to continue construction, rehabilitation, restoration and maintenance of the sea and river defence structures in coastal regions and Regions Seven and Nine. Mangrove regeneration pilot projects will continue as part of the shore zone management programme, Singh said.

Also included in the budget is $396 million to upgrade maritime infrastructure, which includes the docking of ferry vessels, MB Sandaka, MT Aruka and MV Makouria; the dredging of rivers; the acquisition of spares and purchase of navigational aids. Works to modify and extend the Parika and Supenaam stellings to facilitate the mooring of the roll-on, roll-off ferries along with the rehabilitation of the Moleson Creek and Wakenaam stellings and goods wharf will benefit from an allocation of $184 million.

Meanwhile, $247.7 million has been budgeted for the hydrometeorological programme, of which $70 million will be used to complete the installation of the Doppler radar system and another $10.5 million has been allocated for further specialized training required to effectively utilize the radar.