The $550M Doppler Radar Tower being built at the CJIA, Timehri is expected to be completed within another two weeks and should be in full use by year end.

According to a press release from the Government Information Agency (GINA), the EU/Government of Guyana-funded project will put Guyana on par with other countries in the region in providing weather alerts.

The release said Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud reported that a German team will be visiting the site to test the system for a period of six weeks. The team will be available to give feedback as staff members are undergoing training to man the facility.

Persaud noted that the utilization of radar technology is significant for Guyana and said he hoped that by the end of the year persons will have the ability to track the weather as it unfolds.

The minister said the facility will be modified to be used for educational purposes for students, farmers and other interested persons in an effort to foster a greater appreciation of the venture. Guyana had been targeted by the Caribbean Meteorologi-cal Organization in its drive to improve and expand its services, GINA said.

Meanwhile, Chief Hydrometerological Officer Bhaleka Seulall said the tower will monitor and provide weather alert warnings and will put Guyana on par with Barbados, Belize, Trinidad and Tobago and French Guiana.

This will enable a radar network to be established and allow full coverage up to Miami while overlapping with other radars in the region. Forecasts will also be made available online.