Government green lights second phase of Ogle airport expansion project

Guyanese President Bharrat Jagdeo has approved the start of the second phase of the project to expand Ogle airport, serving capital Georgetown, government information agency GINA said on its website. The decision follows a meeting between the government and representatives of concessionaire Ogle Airport. The project consists of extending the runway to 4,000-5,000ft (1.22-1.52km) from its current 2,500ft, which will transform the airport into an international, municipal and commercial facility, the release said. Other works include building a new terminal facility, upgrading aircraft taxiing and parking areas, new and improved drainage infrastructure, and enhanced facilities for customs, immigration, air-traffic control, health and fire services. The second phase is expected to be completed in six months. The entire project is slated for completion in 2010. In 2002 the Guyanese government and Ogle Airport signed a memorandum of understanding paving the way for the expansion and development of the airport in a period of five years.