Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill
Edghill later revealed on the state-owned National Communication Network (NCN) that while the government may face criticisms for spending more on the airport, it should be reminded that the product they have now is not what they bargained for initially.
He was keen to note too that the monies being spent now are separate from works being executed by the contractor, China Habour Engineering Company (CHEC).
“We are putting in a new office building for staff. We are putting in a new building to facilitate the airline offices, as well as bonds for the duty-free shops. We are improving the airport, things that were outside of the contract with China Harbor,” he said.
Currently, CHEC is in a rush to “push works” at the airport to meet the December 31 deadline for completion; the company had sought an April 2022 deadline because of shipping delays but this was denied.
The airport expansion project started in 2013 but was snagged by issues, including those associated with a decision by the former APNU+AFC government to modify the design originally agreed to by the government and the company.
The PPP administration under President Donald Ramotar signed the contract with the company in 2011 and secured US$130 million financing from the Chinese the following year, allowing for the project to go ahead.
Since the return of the PPP to office, it insisted that the project be completed to specification and that all flaws be fixed.
