Caye Caulker Airstrip, The Final Deal

And today, based on a question from the leader of the opposition, we also heard details of the stripped down plans for the refurbishing of the Caye Caulker airstrip - which started out at 7 million dollars, but is now down to 3.9 million:..

Hon. Manuel Heredia - Minister of Civil Aviation
"The current contract with the lower bidder for the sum of 3.918 6 hundred and 99 dollars not the 3.5 as mentioned before which include the cost, the core phase for the entire project only this phase exclude the following items, the external security lighting system, runway light system is included in the initial phase. Notably this will greatly enhance air transportation capability to the island, the hot mix asphalt surfacing is limited to a width of 40 feet with the additional 20 feet of shoulders that will not be surfaced. That will just be an additional 10 feet on this side. The security fencing is out and the expansion of the apron will be smaller than previously said. The lifting of the runway will also be limited. The construction of the new terminal building will no longer be there."

The Social Security Board approved the loan for the Belize Airports Authority in mid-December.

Channel 7

It's $3.9 Million for Caye Caulker Airstrip

The resurfacing of the Caye Caulker airstrip and additional improvements appears to be a done deal. From an initial seven-point-five million contract to Imer Hernandez Development Company Limited, the project will now cost just under four million dollars and be more limited than initially outlined. Responding to a question in the House of Representatives on Friday, Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Manuel Heredia Junior explained what's in and what's out.

Manuel Heredia Jr., Area Rep., Belize Rural South

"Of the three bidders, the lowest bid was submitted for the sum of seven [million], [five hundred and eighty-seven thousand, five hundred and sixty-nine] dollars, not the seven-point-eight [million], for the construction of the full project, with the understanding that the final work scope would be adjusted as necessary to meet the project budget available for construction. The current contract with the lower bidder is for the sum of [three million, nine hundred and eighteen thousand,] six hundred and ninety-nine dollars, not the three-point five [million] as mentioned before, which include the cost, the core phase for the entire project only, this phase excludes the following items: the external security lighting system, runway light system is included in the initial phase; notably this will greatly enhance air transportation capability to the island. The hot mix asphalt surfacing is limited to a width of forty feet with the additional twenty feet of shoulders; That will not be surfaced; that will just be an additional ten feet on each side. The security fencing is out and the expansion of the apron will be smaller than previously said. The lifting of the runway will also be limited. The construction of the new terminal building will no longer be there."

Channel 5