The Saint Lucia Air and Sea Ports Authority (SLASPA) and the Government of Saint Lucia (GOSL) are at an advanced stage in finalizing the direction for the resumption of construction of the Hewanorra International Airport Redevelopment Project.
As a significant airport infrastructure improvement programme, initially, the HIA project considers improvement to the airside, terminal, and landside with a strategic intention to elevate the aviation ecosystem and passenger experience.
The HIA Redevelopment Project broke ground in 2019 and saw the commencement of construction, with piling for the terminal building nearing completion in March 2022.
In September 2021, the Government of Saint Lucia undertook a comprehensive review of the HIA Project to identify opportunities for fiscal space while proposing a realistic compromise for an upgraded airport infrastructure to meet the country’s evolving demands.
Additionally, the relevance of this review was further deemed necessary given the global economic shocks brought about by COVID-19, supply chain issues, and rising inflation.
Following a three-month undertaking, the review recommended four options for consideration which SLASPA, through its Ports Council, was to analyze and respond accordingly.
SLASPA expects a final position to be tabled and a direction approved by the Government by the beginning of the first quarter of 2023. The International Financial Cooperation of the World Bank’s Airport Planning Specialist is providing support for this exercise.
In keeping with its commitment to improving the airport infrastructure, while a decision is being finalized for the overall direction, the Government has approved the construction of the Air Traffic Control Tower.
The new design will be equipped with the latest navigational tools and technology, replacing the more than 40year-old existing facility. As a critical aspect of the redevelopment programme, the new Air Traffic Control tower will stand at 100ft, providing optimum airfield surveillance.
Construction of the new building is set for the first quarter of 2023.
Regarding the progress update, SLASPA’s General Manager, Mr. Daren Cenac, described the process as necessary. “ As the statutory authority with oversight of Saint Lucia’s ports, we understand the priorities of the Government and will continue working with our principal shareholder to achieve a balanced compromise and realize the upgrade of this vital national asset. We are encouraged by the Government’s commitment to improving HIA and remain confident that SLASPA will deliver an efficient and modernized airport that will benefit all stakeholders.”
SOURCE: Saint Lucia Air and Sea Ports Authority
What I see is we just keep sending the island backwards just saying
As a regular flyer It is such a an inconvenience after you sat in an aircraft for hours that you have to sit for another 15min.because it’s raining and no one can get off.
What a shame that we ate stuck in that twilight zone.
I am trying to see the international airport we have in the south
What a joke that we just sit by and accept what is giving and what is called progress.
Laughable.
What a shame ! Putting politics before the state common good. Just to reject and destroy the previous government’splans and vision
GOD HELP US !
Allen I hope you and Guy are hearing the comments of the people. All you are the cause of the crime in St. Lucia.
@Joseph George (yellow Clown) if it’s not the Chastanet way it can be no other way ??? He is the Gold Standard for everything good in St Lucia ?? The hospital, Crime plan, now the damn airport……it’s only his way or no other way YOU FULL OF YELLOW SHiT
Please hang our hats on our head
@guns in the barrels_…..blind and deaf red jackass comments only good for u if they falsely ” big up ” your dishonest red clowns. I view government and opposition ideas and actions objectively. Clean your eyes and your brain damn –s
Sad on this government part….promise not to stop any projects in the eyes and ears of all St.LUCIANS you did the opposite…All what you knew then you knew it now…so my questions is why?….Feel like your intention is to teach us to hate and not uplift each other don’t matter our differences
An Airport that only has Traffic on weekends and dead for the entire morning until probably 12 noon, most days only hve two or three flights all in the afternoon lmfao. Stop hanging yr hats where yr hands cant reach. Building an Airport for ghosts and spirits.