Latest update August 1st, 2026 12:35 AM
Latest News
Chinese, Indian contractors dominate bids for Lethem, Rose Hall airport projects; upgrade of hinterland airstrips
(Kaieteur News) – The Ministry of Public Utilities and Aviation has received eight bids for the construction of municipal airports at Lethem in Region Nine and Rose Hall in Region Six, and the rehabilitation of several hinterland coastal airstrips.
Bids for the projects were opened recently at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB).
It was revealed that two bids were submitted for the municipal airport project at Rose Hall, four for the Lethem airport and two for the rehabilitation of the hinterland airstrips.
The newly upgraded $221 million Anna Regina Airstrip in Region Two which was commissioned in July.
Regarding the construction of the Rose Hall airport, bidders are China CAMC Engineering Company Limited out of China, and Kalpataru Projects International Limited from India.
For the construction of the Lethem Airport, the following bidders submitted proposals for the contract: CAMC – CMEC Group, a consortium out of China; Ashoka Buildcon Limited out of India; OEC USA Inc.; and Kalpataru Projects International Limited.
Further, the two bids for the rehabilitation of the airstrips are CAMCE (from China) in consortium with BK International (Guyana); and International Imports and Supplies (Guyana) were also submitted.
The government, in its initial tender notice issued earlier this year, requested proposals for the engineering, procurement, construction and financing for a Code 4E airport at Lethem and for a Code 3C airport at Rose Hall.
Plans to construct airports in Lethem and Rose Hall were announced by President Irfaan Ali last year.
According to the head of state, the goal is not just to improve air transport but to strategically position Guyana as the world’s hottest destination for agro-processing and food production. By strengthening logistics and connectivity through such projects, Guyana envisions becoming the most competitive destination globally for value-added agriculture and food-based industries, he stated at an event.
Further, during the reading of this year’s budget, Senior Minister with the responsibility for finance, Dr. Ashni Singh said the airports, “will improve connectivity within Guyana and with neigbouring countries, and will provide regional and domestic carriers alternative landing destinations within Guyana. In the case of the Rose Hall/Canje airport, this will constitute critical connectivity to facilitate ease of access given the broader vision for industrial and economic development in Region 6, once the second gas pipeline is landed there. In the case of the Lethem airport, this will facilitate the emergence of Region 9 as a major hub for trade, tourism, and connectivity between northern Brazil and the Caribbean.” Government has set aside some $4.1 billion to rehabilitate and upgrade hinterland airstrips this year.
As it relates to the rehabilitation of airstrips, this is to ensure improved access to hinterland regions.
Minister of Public Utilities and Aviation, Deodat Indar shared on his Facebook page on Tuesday that the National Assembly on Monday approved $600 million for the maintenance of the 51 government-operated airstrips in the hinterland-coastal region. The allocation, he stated, will enhance aviation safety and emergency response, ensure compliance with aviation standards, and improve connectivity.
“Some of these works will entail sectional repairs to airstrips at Bemichi, Sand Creek, Annai, Itabac, Mountain Point and Wichabai; rehabilitating perimeter fences at Port Kaituma, Lethem, Iwokrama, Karasabai, Aishalton, Annai and Surama; felling trees within obstacle limitation zones; clearing and grubbing within shoulders and runway strips; repainting visual aid markings; and repairing potential potholes,” the minister explained.
Share this:
Discover more from Kaieteur News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Similar Articles
Blunt of the day
Sports
Features/Columnists
Sir. Ronald Sanders
The GHK Lall Column
Weekend Cartoon
