by Nicole Telford
“The Cheddi Jagan International Airport at Timehri is in an incomplete mess under the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C), four years after the APNU/AFC administration commenced works to expand and improve the facility,” stated Former Minister of Public Infrastructure David Patterson. Speaking with this publication, Patterson said completing works and conducting regular maintenance checks are not the strengths of the PPP/C administration.
The former Minister noted that employees of many air carriers have indicated to him that work had begun on a new building adjacent to the departure side of the airport. These works aimed to facilitate the smooth operations of all air carriers’ check-in counters, as the current space becomes chaotic and congested during multiple outgoing flights. However, he noted that it has been months since work on the building ceased, with no answers on when the project will recommence.
“The failure by several contractors to complete works in a timely manner is a bizarre phenomenon that continues to plague the PPP/C government, not only at the airport but also in other projects across the country,” Patterson continued. “Nevertheless, the government continues to invite air carriers to operate out of the incomplete, leaking, and unsafe airport.” He highlighted that at airports worldwide, works are done simultaneously but managed efficiently to ensure staff comfort and passenger safety.
Patterson opined that the CJIA continues to experience sporadic power outages during the day and evening due to mismanagement of the multiple ongoing infrastructure, construction, and electrical works. He attributed the increased and sporadic nature of the power outages to the electrical works being done at CJIA, suggesting that those in charge cannot identify the cause of the problem due to the ongoing background chaos.
The former Minister added that he was informed of the difficulties experienced by staff at the airport, making their work challenging. “The entire building looks marvelous to incoming and outgoing passengers, but behind the scenes, in the customs and immigration departments, the offices of air carriers, the fly bridge, and the baggage belt are all riddled with problems. These incomplete works are extremely dangerous for the airport, agents, investments, employees, and passengers passing through, and they could pose a fire hazard,” Patterson said.
