– reconstruction of airstrip to vastly improve connectivity, economic opportunities for hinterland region
The Government of Guyana has awarded a contract worth $799 million for reconstruction of the Paramakatoi airstrip in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni). This project, reportedly scheduled to last for approximately eight months, is a major infrastructure initiative that is aimed at enhancing connectivity between hinterland communities while boosting their economic opportunities.
The upgrade, expected to significantly improve the quality of life of residents by enhancing access to essential services and economic activities, would involve modernising the current surface, which is based on a two-layer pavement construction technique, by applying asphalt binder and mineral aggregate. This method ensures a water-resistant, skid-resistant, and all-weather-wearing surface that is suitable for frequent use by aircraft.
Key interventions would include the application of a sand gravel levelling course followed by the construction of a rigid concrete pavement, thereby ensuring a durable and long-lasting runway.
Public Works Minister Juan Edghill during a recent community engagement in Paramakatoi
When completed, the improved airstrip would not only enhance mobility for residents, but would also play a pivotal role in strengthening Paramakatoi’s growing tourism sector, making the community more accessible to visitors and investors.The Paramakatoi airstrip is a critical lifeline for the village. Aside from the Lethem Trail, it serves asthe main mode of transportation, and primarily facilitates the movement of goods and supplies.
The announcement of this development was made by Public Works Minister Juan Edghill during a recent community engagement in Paramakatoi, where he was joined by engineers of that Ministry.
In addition to the airstrip project, Minister Edghill announced upgrades to the road network linking Paramakatoi with other regional hubs. Sectional improvements would be made from Karasabai to Monkey Mountain, and from Monkey Mountain to Paramakatoi. These upgrades are expected to facilitate smoother transport of construction materials during the airstrip’s development and beyond.
The Minister has further assured the community that upgrades would be made to the critical road link between Paramakatoi and Kato, particularly to support quicker response times for medical emergencies. Moreover, he explained that Government is investing in the construction of one kilometre of internal roads through the Ministry’s Special Projects Unit (SPU).
Minister Edghill has emphasised that these projects, which would directly benefit the residents of Paramakatoi and surrounding areas, particularly through the creation of employment opportunities, are part of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) administration’s broader strategy to drive development in hinterland communities, ensuring that residents are fully integrated into Guyana’s growing economy.
