Works on the new Matthews Ridge Airstrip in Region One (Barima-Waini) have been completed, paving the way for larger aircraft to land in the township.
The 4,200-feet reinforced concrete airstrip features a parking apron, taxiways, international-standard runway markings and visual aid lighting to support night-time emergency operations.
“Another important investment in the development of Region One is complete,” President Dr Irfaan Ali said in a Facebook post about the project on Friday.
The new airstrip will now accommodate larger aircraft, including Beechcraft-type aircraft, significantly improving connectivity, emergency and medevac response, and supporting greater economic activity.
The project was delivered by the Ministry of Public Works’ Special Projects Unit under the Community Participation Model, creating employment for 60 Matthews Ridge residents and 15 skilled workers from Mabaruma.
The Matthews Ridge Airstrip was built at an approximate cost of $800 million and forms part of the upgrades being executed under the government’s Hinterland Airstrip Programme.
In fact, the Guyana Government has already invested billions of dollars to upgrade major hinterland airstrips to enhance travel to and from hinterland communities across the country.
These include the $1.053 billion Karasabai Airstrip, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), which was opened in April this year. In January, a $920 million concrete airstrip at Aishalton, also in Region Nine, and the $800 million Paramakatoi Airstrip in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) were commissioned as well.
Back in July, the $221 Anna Regina Airstrip in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) was also commissioned.
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