Xavier reports on achievements by his Ministry
ANOTHER Government Minister has reported near 100 per cent completion of his Ministry's work programme for the year 2000. Minister Anthony Xavier said Wednesday that Transport and Hydraulics completed more than 95 per cent of its projects and is eager to start on the Berbice River Bridge and the Guyana/Brazil road this year.
He told a Press conference, in his Kingston, Georgetown office, that discussions on the bridging are at an advanced stage and Ballast Nedam, the first ranked bidder for the construction of the state of the art link, was recently granted an extension on the related Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that expired November 30, 2000.
Xavier said the agreement was extended to allow for sufficient time to formalise critical aspects of the deal, including financing and securing a performance bond and a further development is expected soon.
He said the road to Brazil is "well on the way to becoming a reality."
Xavier said, during the visit by Governor of Roraima State, Mr Neudo Ribeiro Campos, it was agreed that funding would include for a deep water harbour in Berbice.
Here, last December, Campos had announced that Brazilian President, Mr Fernando Henrique Cardoso was firmly committed to fully participate in all the phases involved.
The route, a distance of 678 kilometres, would connect the Roraima capital, Boa Vista, to Guyana and offer new trade opportunities for both countries, Xavier said.
He said this Government has sent a proposal to Roraima and expects a response by month end.
However, because of the recent decision in the 1997 elections petition case, his Ministry will not be signing major contracts until after the scheduled March 19 balloting.
Works have also been planned for this year in the civil aviation sector and those include establishing the Cheddi Jagan International Airport Corporation.
The Ministry is in the process of interviewing persons for the position of Chief Executive Officer and a group of Canadians is helping with the general planning.
"This is expected to make the airport more profitable and ensure an upgraded standard of service," Xavier said.
He said the Civil Aviation Department (CAD) would also focus on physically upgrading the airport, through the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) Air Transport Reform Programme.
The Ministry is working, too, to privatise Ogle Aerodrome on East Coast Demerara.
Meanwhile, CAD will continue to develop the airstrips in Regions One (Barima/Waini), Seven (Cuyuni/Mazaruni), Eight (Potaro/Siparuni) and Nine (Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo).
Xavier said sea defence works will be executed in Regions Five (Mahaica/Berbice), Two (Pomeroon/Supenaam) and Three (West Demerara/Essequibo Islands).
The Ministry hopes to continue working, as well, to establish a shore zone management system for the coastal areas.
Among the other schemes for this year are the rehabilitation of stellings and maintenance of Transport and Harbours Department (T&HD) vessels, dredging and improving navigational aids for both local and international shipping.
Xavier said last year achievements include rehabilitating the Executive Lounge and opening new duty free shops at Cheddi Jagan International Airport and maintaining 45 airstrips in the Regions.
Rosignol, Adventure and Bartica T&HD stellings were renovated and the gantries at the Vreed-en-Hoop and Georgetown piers were maintained, the Minister reported.
He said the most significant improvement was achieved in the Roads Division where 37 roadways were built and others rehabilitated countrywide, including $15M expenditure on the Linden to Lethem route and 97 per cent accomplishment in the Sea Defence Department.
But, despite what was attained, the Ministry encountered problems with some contractors and hopes the situation would be "smoother" this year.
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