$800M Paramakatoi airstrip commissioned as Govt pushes lower airfares, hinterland development

The Government has officially commissioned the $800 million Paramakatoi Airstrip, a major infrastructure project expected to expand tourism, support high-value agriculture and stimulate economic development in the Kato and Paramakatoi communities in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni). For residents and visitors, the discomfort of rough landings at the Paramakatoi airstrip is now a thing of the past, following the commissioning of the upgraded runway. Constructed at a cost of close to $800 million, the airstrip is expected to significantly reduce high flight costs while improving access to the hinterland community. Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Public Works Ministry, Juan Edghill said the completion of the 2,500-foot by 50-foot airstrip, built with rigid pavement concrete, represents a major milestone for the region. A 100-by-100-foot tarmac was also constructed to provide a designated aircraft parking area.

The project was executed by International Import and Export Supplies Company and serves as the primary mode of transportation for the area. “Today is a big celebration. We have this project completed. While we are commissioning this new airstrip—2,500 feet by 50 feet wide, done with rigid pavement concrete—the good lesson here is that although a contract of close to $800 million was awarded, more than 50 persons from this village were employed throughout the project,” Edghill said. Although the project was approved in 2024 and completed in 2025, construction did not begin until approval was granted by the village Toshao and council. While the contractor had already been mobilised and was on site, the Toshao, writing on behalf of the village, requested that construction be paused to avoid the challenges posed by adverse weather conditions, which could have delayed completion. Based on the community’s local knowledge of weather patterns, work commenced once conditions were favourable. After receiving the green light, the project was completed in less than three months. Minister Edghill noted that this approach reflects a strong partnership between the Government and local communities. According to Edghill, the upgraded airstrip is expected to reduce the cost of living, enhance tourism potential and improve the delivery of essential services such as education, health and social services. “It’s your own! It will bring great benefits, reduce the cost of living, expand tourism and ensure faster delivery of goods and services. Access is now 24 hours a day, including night landings, supported by solar lighting. This is part of bringing development here,” the Minister said, adding that despite heavy rainfall, the airstrip remains dry and fully functional.

Lower airfares
Meanwhile, President Dr Irfaan Ali said the Government is giving airlines and operators sufficient time to adjust their rates following the commissioning of the upgraded facility. “We are giving them enough time to adjust their costs. We will not sit by and allow the benefit of these cost savings not to be transferred to the people. By tomorrow, we will know which services will announce a reduction in fares to Paramakatoi,” the President said. Ali also announced that within the next three months, the Agriculture Ministry must deploy specialists to develop a comprehensive plan to commercialise high-value crops in the Kato and Paramakatoi areas. “The infrastructure we are building must lead to economic expansion and the creation of new opportunities. The Ministry of Agriculture must come with a full-fledged plan to support high-value crop production in this region,” he said.
He emphasised that all Government investments must produce tangible benefits for citizens, noting that the administration is not waiting idly. He explained that while there have been calls for increased airlift to reduce transportation costs, there have also been appeals for strategic Government investments to lower the cost of moving people, goods and services. “These investments are not intended to compete with private enterprise, but to ensure that people benefit throughout the entire development process,” President Ali stated.