New terminal building for Aishalton – Pres Ali

…as community’s airstrip gets $920M concrete upgrade

President Dr Irfaan Ali has unveiled the design of a new terminal building that will be constructed at the Aishalton Airstrip in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), something which will not only enhance travel but also boost tourism in the community.

The Head of State made this announcement Thursday during the commissioning of the recently upgraded airstrip at Aishalton. Once a strip of grass and mud that limited access, especially during the rainy season, the Aishalton Airstrip has been transformed into a 2500-foot rigid concrete runway, a project done to the tune of $920 million.

According to President Ali, this investment to enhance the community’s infrastructure will play an important role in the diversification of Aishalton’s economy.

“Tourism now has a real opportunity in Aishalton. And let me tell you how fast we are moving on this real opportunity… We discussed with the contractor social contribution [and] working with us. And I am pleased to announce today…the artist’s impression of a building.”

“This is a building that will be constructed here, so you will have a proper terminal to welcome your visitors, immigration services, Police services… So, you see already, this one investment [on the airstrip] is stimulating another maybe $50 million of investment in this building so that an important plan for your tourism product is now satisfied,” the Guyanese leader emphasised.

With plans already on the cards for a new modern airport at Lethem, the Head of State stressed that Region Nine is very critical on the Government’s transformation agenda. In fact, there are also plans to build out at least 35 additional airstrips in hinterland communities across the country.

Boost agricultural outputs

Moreover, the Head of State noted that there would be heavy investments to have Regions Nine and Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) fully integrated via a proper road network that will boast agricultural outputs.

Currently, the Agriculture Ministry, in collaboration with the Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC), has been tasked with ensuring targeted amounts of production come out from these two regions to meet national, and to some extent regional, demands.

These include 500,000 pounds of citrus, 50,000 pounds of potatoes, 200,000 pounds of peanuts, one million pounds of carrots, 100,000 pounds of mutton, 200,000 pounds of beef, 50,000 pounds of onions, 10,000 pounds of cashew nuts, and 150,000 pounds of mangoes. Already, some 40,000 pounds of mangoes have been transported to Georgetown, and another 40,000 pounds will go out in the next two weeks.

“This is what we’re doing – making real investment to bring real wealth into the communities… It would lead to greater self-reliance on our production system and will lead us to building out a production system that is integrated into transport and logistic system. That is what we’re building, [and] that is how these investments are intertwined with each other,” the president asserted.

“Corridor for commerce”

Meanwhile, similar sentiments were expressed by Amerindian Affairs Minister Sarah Brown-Shadeek, who described the newly rehabilitated airstrip at Aishalton as a “corridor for commerce”.

She noted that this airstrip, coupled with the recent upgrading of the Paramakatoi Airstrip, reflects the Government’s commitment to enhancing the livelihood of all Guyanese, bridging the gap between the coast and the hinterland.

In fact, since 2020, the Amerindian Affairs Ministry has injected over $141 million dollars into Ashiston to enhance the lives of its 1276 residents, something which she says will be further bolstered by the newly upgraded airstrip.

“It’s a corridor of commerce much like the Linden to Lethem Road. The direct impacts of this airstrip are many and will open this region more in accessing markets. We have the resources, we have the produce, and we need access to markets more readily. This is the opportunity – our opportunity to grow, and we are ready to ensure the potential of this region is not only met but promoted.”

“This airstrip means that tourists can fly from the coasts to the savannahs in comfort, unlocking the hospitality potential of our village, thereby reforming our Government’s commitment that remoteness and the decision to remain in our village does not mean delayed development,” said Minister Brown.

Similarly, Chairwoman for Region Nine, Vania Albert, commended the Ali-led Administration for ensuring that hinterland communities are not left out of the country’s development.

“This investment [in the Aishalton Airstrip] represents far more than infrastructure. It is a clear symbol of inclusion and connectivity and a Government that truly has the people of the hinterland and Amerindian people at heart. Improved air access would significantly enhance healthcare delivery, education, security, emergency response and economic opportunities for the people of Deep South, Rupununi,” the Regional Chair stated.

The upgrade of the 2500-foot Aishalton Airstrip was executed by the Public Works Ministry’s Special Projects Unit in collaboration with the Village Council and saw residents from the community gaining employment from the project.