On Tuesday, March 4, Government Ministers convened to discuss a comprehensive plan for the completion, rehabilitation, and maintenance of hinterland airstrips across the country. This high-level meeting, held under a directive from H.E President Mohamed Irfaan Ali, aimed to improve air transport infrastructure, ensuring accessibility for hinterland communities and vital industries.
The meeting was hosted by the Minister of Home Affairs, Hon. Robeson Benn, and attended by key government officials, including the Minister of Public Works, Hon. Juan Edghill; Minister of Natural Resources, Hon. Vickram Bharrat; and Minister of Local Government, Hon. Sonia Parag. Also present were Andre Ally, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Arun Richard, Manager of the Special Projects Unit; Jacques Foster, Deputy Commissioner of the Geology and Mines Commission; Akeem St. Louis, Senior Engineer at the Ministry of Public Works; Alphonso Mangah, Aviation Inspector at the Ministry of Public Works; Rehana Ahamad, Communications Officer at the Ministry of Local Government; and Haylema Bhagwandeen, Supervisor of the Projects Unit at the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Representatives from the Ministry of Natural Resources were present to advocate for the interests of miners and other stakeholders who rely on these airstrips for transportation, supply chain management, and emergency evacuations.
The initiative underscores the Government’s commitment to equitable development, recognizing that hinterland airstrips serve as crucial lifelines for remote communities and economic activities. With improved aviation infrastructure, mining operations, healthcare services, and commerce in these regions will see enhanced efficiency and safety.
The discussion marks a critical step towards formulating an actionable strategy to upgrade these facilities, ensuring they meet the needs of those with limited access to transportation networks. Further updates on the plan’s implementation timeline and funding allocations will be provided in the coming weeks.
