Georgetown: The Public Works Ministry confirmed that Government has spent $67.320 million for the maintenance of hinterland airstrips for 2013.
One of the airstrips that benefited from the allotted sum was the Kurupung Airstrip which was upgraded in 2013 to the tune of $640,000.
The airstrip is 1365 feet long and 43 feet wide, but is bordered by a deep valley on the eastern end and a creek on the western side, which hinders the possibility of expansion.
The Ministry in response to questions posed by A Partnership For National Unity (APNU) Parliamentarian, Dr Karen Cummings, related that the maintenance of the airstrip happens all year round, and is being overseen by a resident contractor.
The hinterland airstrips are periodically examined by the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and aviation inspectors within the Public Works Ministry.
Questioned about the accident involving a commercial plane at the Region Seven Airstrip, the Ministry said contrary to the possible reason given as “hard landing”, the mishap occurred as a result of short landing by the Pilot.
The contributing factors of the incident were given as wind share and down draught.
