Passengers arriving at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri should by year-end enter a spacious and comfortable area complete with duty-free facilities.
These improvements scheduled to begin in two weeks will last for six months during which the current facilities will be greatly expanded to meet increasing demand.
The work, to be undertaken by contracting firm Kishan Bacchus Construction and funded jointly by the Government of Guyana and the Inter-American Develop-ment Bank (GOG/IDB), will also have a defects liability period of six months following completion. A $231M contract was signed yesterday between the government and the company at the Public Works Ministry.
Engineering Consultants, Vikab International will oversee the construction phase of the project after being identified as the project consultant.
Briefing reporters about the project yesterday, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Public Works and Communications, Kenneth Jordan said once completed the arrivals area will have several new features.
These will include cambio facilities, duty-free shops and luggage storage.
According to Jordan, the work to improve the arrivals area will see a new roof and an extension of some 2,522 sq ft.
Chairman of the CJIA Board, Manniram Prashad said the initiative is part of efforts to prepare the country for the 2007 cricket World Cup.
He also indicated that the new wing is being completed with the intention that it will match or even outshine the refurbished departure lounge.
CJIA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Leon Romero alluded to other developments including the installation of taxiway lighting and the fixing of taxiway shoulders among other things.
He further noted that the airport has been certified by the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority for being in compliance with certain international practices.