And while Saldivar says Mena and the UDP will get over that social media squabble, the 3 dents on the Caye Caulker airstrip won't can't be glossed over so easily. As we told you, Tropic Air and Maya Island took a joint position to postpone all scheduled flights to Caye Caulker on October 1st. to try and force the Civil Aviation Department to act.
Well the $7 million dollar runway renovation project should start this week.
But while that is about to get underway, there are reports that the road leading to the municipal airstrip could be having some sinking problems. While we have seen water pooling on some parts of the road, today President of Tropic Air John Greif says the runway at the Municipal is in perfect shape. We also got a comment from Minister of Tourism Manuel Heredia Jr. about the Caye Caulker runway project.
John Greif, President - Tropic Air
"Well I am based in San Pedro, but we get reports from our pilots and I haven't had any direct reports on anything happening that would affect safety of flight. What we have to remember is this was all swamp, so the engineers said we need to have it settled. It settled for a long time, but even as we are seeing in Caye Caulker, you can't predict Mother Nature. So if there is sinking, I am sure it's minimal and I am sure it's going to be addressed by the government. But I personally have no knowledge of it."
Reporter
"Sir, just to confirm, flights have been postponed to Caye Caulker since October 1st right?"
John Greif, President - Tropic Air
"There you have sinking and undulations on the run way and you also have deterioration of the chip and seal system that they used. So its two things in one, but as far as I know, that's being addressed by the government as well."
Courtney Weatherburne, reporter
"That situation in Caye Caulker is not happening here? That's not the report you're getting?"
John Greif, President - Tropic Air
"That's correct, I am not getting that report."
Hon. Manuel Heredia, Minister of Tourism
"Caye Caulker Airstrip, anything that we do as I mentioned, we want to do it well and as perfect as possible. Today I must assure you that we have advanced monies to the contractor Mr. Hernandez for that airstrip to commence and as early as tomorrow you will see material and equipment moving to Caye Caulker to give commencement to this airstrip which will be wider, higher and we have to redo all over again. The foundation has to be completely redone and hence the reason it would be an expensive airstrip again. Again, for the safety of commuters and tourists we have decide to hot mix it. Hot mixing is much more expensive than chip and seal, but nonetheless we are talking about the future, the safety of passengers and a perfect job."
Other plans for the Caye Caulker airstrip include the construction of a terminal and fencing. Again, Imer Hernandez was awarded the contract for this project and he was also awarded the contract for the renovation of the Municipal airstrip in November 2016.
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