China providing millions for projects in Grenada

ST. GEORGE'S, Grenada, CMC:

China is providing a multimillion-dollar loan to Grenada for the rehabilitation of the Maurice Bishop International Airport and a low-income housing project, according to a government statement issued here.

While the statement did not provide the amount of money being provided by Beijing for the housing project, it said that the construction of phase two of the Chinese housing project here is expected to start later this year.

"The government in Beijing has approved phase two of the project, paving the way for the start of construction in about two months," the statement noted.

It said that Prime Minister Dr Keith Mitchell discussed the projects with the Chinese Ambassador to Grenada Dr Zhao Yongchen, who arrived here recently at the start of his four-year tenure.

The statement said the second phase of the low-income housing project involves the construction of units in six districts across the tri-island state, including Dumfries in the sister isle of Carriacou.

It said technical teams from China as well as the Ministry of Works have been visiting the six sites throughout the year to prepare the design for the project.

China is now tendering for a construction company to do the work. Phase one was completed a few years ago with more than 350 units distributed.

The statement said that China has approved a concessional loan for the upgrade of the airport valued at US$66 million.

It said China's vice minister of commercial affairs is expected here later this month to sign the two agreements with the Grenada government.