A US$4.5M contract for a runway rehabilitation project at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri, was yesterday signed by the Ministry of Public Works and Irish firm, Lagan Holdings Ltd.
The contract, which is for the rehabilitation of the pavement as well as lighting installation works for the airport's Runway 06-24, is being funded by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and is part of the Government's Air Transport Reform Programme.
At the signing yesterday, the Permanent Secretary in the Works Ministry, Kenneth Jordan, told reporters that a nine-week mobilisation period is anticipated and the construction phase is scheduled to begin on March 18 next year. This phase, he said, is expected to last eight weeks.
The rehabilitation work, to be done between 8 pm and 6 am, will see the interruption of some airline flights, and, according to the airport's Chief Executive Officer, Leon Romero, operators have been advised of the need to reschedule their operations as a result of the imminent flight interruptions.
Romero, delivering brief remarks, welcomed the rehabilitation project. He said that after the rehabilitation the runway would be even safer for landings.
Lagan Holdings will be responsible for pre-overlay repairs, millings and replacing of asphalt. Depending on the overlay thickness, one layer of asphaltic concrete surface course or two or three layers consisting of surface course and asphaltic concrete levelling courses, will be placed on the runway. The firm will also be responsible for the upgrading of runway lights. Upon the completion of the rehabilitation work, there will be a one-year maintenance period.