The Lands and Surveys Department is to begin early next year surveying around 20 acres of land at Kaieteur Top identified for the development of nature lodges.
According to the Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Manzoor Nadir, the ministry also expects the contractor to install the $4.5M solar-powered system to the rehabilitated Kaieteur Falls Guest House.
At his end-of-year press conference last week, Nadir said the ministry now intends to develop a set of guidelines for the development of the area then advertise for persons with an interest in establishing overnight facilities.
In the interim, he said, based on a request for people to stay overnight, the government had rehabilitated the Kaieteur Guest House which had a self-contained room and another private room to accommodate at least two couples.
But he added that there were facilities for backpackers and people who did not mind roughing it. These facilities can accommodate up to 20 persons using hammocks with communal bathrooms and toilets. A kitchen at the guesthouse is also available.
The Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development contributed $100,000 towards the procurement of furnishings for the guesthouse.
Plans are also in train for a visitor's centre which will include a food, beverage and souvenir shop.