Linden: Region 10 officials have welcomed the interest of the Canadian Embassy, the American Embassy, the European Union and Food for the Poor in financially supporting developmental projects in the mining town of Linden, and are hoping those entities would finance re-opening of the old Linden airstrip.
Regional Chairman Renis Morian said that representatives of the Region 10 Democratic Council have had fruitful discussions with these interested organisations, and the various committees within the Council have been mandated to present early submission of proposals for projects within their remit. Morian said he has already received a proposal from the Youth and Cultural Development Committee.
The Works Committee is also currently working on a proposal for the upgrading of the Linden airstrip.
During a recent visit to the airstrip, officials from the Ministry of Public Infrastructure noted the value of the facility in increasing commerce in the region.
The 5000-foot-long airstrip, which has a clearance of 300 feet, lies in the heart of the bauxite mining area of Linden, but has not been utilised for years. It needs upgrading to become operational. Given its capacity to accommodate international flights, even jets, regional officials are pushing for the airstrip to be developed into a local airport.
Linden is also considered a gateway to the interior regions. Many employees of international gold and timber companies are from Linden, and if the airstrip is developed it would save them money, as they would no longer have to travel to Georgetown to be flown into the interior locations.
“Most of the interior companies that do heavy mining in gold and so on, most of the workers come from Region 10; so this is a good jump-off point instead of them paying for people to go to Parika and so on,” Councilor Charles Sampson said.
Other miners can access their areas of work easier than having to journey through the trail. Linden could become a hub for those frequenting the interior locations; and, like Bartica, the airstrip can possibly attract investors to the town, thereby improving commercial activities and reducing unemployment in the region.
Other enterprises, such as shipping and beverage companies, can also benefit from the airstrip being operational.
Taking these facts into consideration, the officials, through Regional Chairman Morian, will be proposing that the airstrip be fenced, equipped with a hangar, adequate lighting, waiting area, toilet facilities, security, air bag and a taxi service.
There was also a recommendation for a hotel to be constructed near the airstrip, for the convenience of passengers and crew members in cases of delay.
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