Birds threaten safe air traffic at CJIA

Sep 12, 2013 News

Indiscriminate dumping of dead poultry within the five-mile radius of Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA)’s aerodrome, poses a threat to air traffic. As such, CJIA is executing an awareness campaign to prevent a disastrous outcome.
This is according to Andre Kellman, Deputy Manager of Airport Operations, Tuesday.
He said that in the Linden/Soesdyke/Timehri area about 70 percent of the poultry consumed in Guyana is reared. While, this contributes to the economy many farmers indiscriminately dispose of garbage and practice poor bird husbandry, he added.
Kellman said that Bounty Farm, which has a large poultry operation along that stretch, demonstrates some interest in keeping its activities clean. Others should try to emulate these practices.

Cheddi Jagan International Airport

According to Kellman, poor practices encourage crows that feed on the dead flesh. These birds can soar at high altitude and could be a threat to the safe flight of aircrafts. He recalled that in April 2011 a bird came into contact with a Caribbean Airlines aircraft forcing the machine to land 10 minutes after takeoff.
According to reports, officials had discovered illegal dumping grounds, off the Soesdyke/Linden highway, comprising feathers and other waste from the chicken and pig farms. The wastes were burned. It is estimated that around 14 chicken and pig farms had existed in the area.
While, no lives were loss, a committee comprising representatives of the Environmental Protection Agency, Guyana Livestock Development Authority, Guyana Amazon Tropical Bird Society, Veterinary Public Health, Public Works Ministry and CJIA, was formed to find solutions to this problem.
He noted that poultry and cash crop farmers who were operating within a one-mile radius of the aerodrome have relocated. And, the committee has been actively pursuing several initiatives including a public awareness campaign to combat the indiscriminate dumping.
Kellman said that CJIA has been researching this matter to find a favourable solution for all parties involved. He said that the safety of aircraft and passengers cannot and should not be compromised at any time.
He added that efforts are being made to educate farmers and students of the impending danger. In addition, inside the Ministry of Agriculture there is an office that informs farmers about safe practices.
He said if better farming practices are incorporated the mortality rates of poultries would reduce resulting in fewer waste disposal.