Latest update March 29th, 2024 12:59 AM
Sep 08, 2012 Sports
Ninvalle says on synthetic track
By Edison Jefford
The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport (MCYS) yesterday addressed recent concerns raised in the media relative to the timely completion and location of the synthetic track and field facility at Leonora and its importance to the landscape of sports in Guyana.
Parliamentary Secretary within the Ministry, Steve Ninvalle, admitted that there was not enough emphasis on engaging the media on various developments at the facility and that may have led to some concerns and criticisms on whether it will be timely completed.
As a result, Ninvalle said that the Ministry will be keen on updating the media every two months to keep them in the loop. “I would want a track now, but we want to deliver something proper. It is not that we are holding the people of Guyana at ransom,” Ninvalle said.
On the subject of delivering “something proper” and keeping the media updated, Director of the oversight company, Design and Construction Services Limited (DCSL), Patrick Pitt, agreed with Ninvalle, then went on to explain what caused some timeline setbacks.
“I want the media to understand what it takes,” Pitt stated, adding that “this is not a road we are building. Athletes have to run on this track. If it takes a little time to get it right then we have to take that time. This is our first track and we have to get it right.”
The synthetic track has three main phases with several sub-lots or components. Phase I started in December 2010, and was expected to last six months, but the facility is still undergoing works in that phase, which is what prompted investigations from the media.
Courtney Benn Contracting Services Limited was awarded the contract for Phase I of the project. Phase I included drainage and irrigation works, construction of two culverts, main access road to the facility among other land preparation works, which are all completed.
Courtney Been had won the award for Phase I after submitting a $124, 960, 227M bid. Phase I of the facility also included the foundation works to accommodate the actual laying of the synthetic track. It is at this component of the Phase that several challenges arose.
“We encountered some legitimate problems that caused us to lose some time. We had a situation with some flooding from Guysuco when they release water along with the high tides that stopped us for a while from getting 18 inches off the ground,” Pitt explained.
However, those foundation works were able to be completed, but when German company, BSW Regupol visited the facility, they raised several questions about the platform for the track, DCSL Director said, forcing them to do further geo-technical foundation work.
To get those geo-technical works completed, the contractors were forced to go outside of Guyana to the United States-based Tensar International to get the base up to the required standard, before the German-based Regupol commence Phase II, which is laying the track.
“We had to go to Parliament to get monies released for all this. When we got the permission to proceed (from Parliament in December 2011), we learnt that Tensar was closed for the holidays, so there was a period where the works could not be touched,” Pitt noted.
He could not give definite dates for the completion of the entire facility, stating that that would it would depend on the completion of the various sub-lots within the three Phases; he said the track will cost US$5M, and of the proposed locations, Leonora was most suitable.
THIS IDIOT TELLING GUYANA WE HAVE NO SAY IN THE 50% PROFIT SHARING AGREEMENT WE HAVE WITH EXXON.
Mar 29, 2024
By Rawle Toney Kaieteur Sports – After a series of outstanding performances in 2023, Tianna Springer, dubbed the ‘wonder girl’, is eagerly gearing up to compete in this year’s...Kaieteur News – Good Friday in Guyana is not what it used to be. The day has lost much of its solemnity. The one day... more
By Sir Ronald Sanders Kaieteur News – In the face of escalating global environmental challenges, water scarcity and... more
Freedom of speech is our core value at Kaieteur News. If the letter/e-mail you sent was not published, and you believe that its contents were not libellous, let us know, please contact us by phone or email.
Feel free to send us your comments and/or criticisms.
Contact: 624-6456; 225-8452; 225-8458; 225-8463; 225-8465; 225-8473 or 225-8491.
Or by Email: [email protected] / [email protected]