Repairs to the Paruima airstrip completed

Repairs to the Paruima airstrip in Upper Mazaruni, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), have been completed, the Public Utilities and Aviation Ministry has announced.
Minister Deodat Indar visited the community on Wednesday to inspect the completed works.

The approximately $400 million airstrip, which replaced the former grass patch landing area, was, in April 2024, transformed into a durable all-weather concrete strip to better support the movement of passengers, goods and services.
However, shortly after completion, surface defects were identified during the liability period, leading to temporary closure.
At the time, Public Works Minister Juan Edghill had explained that the contractor, International Import and Supplies, was instructed to correct the issues at its own expense.
The Ministry of Public Utilities and Aviation, in a statement on Wednesday, said the repairs were conducted to the tune of $397 million.
Meanwhile, during his visit to the community on Wednesday, the contractor made a sizeable donation to the village.
The donation includes four excavators, one roller, two jackhammers, one asphalt kettle, one tractor tiller, and two plate compactors, totalling $160 million, Indar’s Ministry stated.
During the commissioning ceremony of the airstrip, it was revealed that villagers would be contracted to undertake the maintenance works, ensuring its long-term sustainability.