With 353 days left before the scheduled completion date
(October 31, 2006) of Guyana's Cricket Stadium to host fixtures at
the biggest event ever to be held in the Caribbean, work at the site
is twenty-five percent complete and five percent behind, according
to Venue Manager, Walter Willis.
Willis made the disclosure during a media tour and briefing at
the Providence site yesterday, which was also attended by the new
Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Anthony Xavier and members of
the Local Organising Committee (LOC).
Willis informed that the setback in schedule was primarily due to
a delay in piling at the North West and South East stands, but added
that the Media Stand, Pavilion and Mound are well on the way to
early completion.
Work on the field and pitch is some two weeks off pace, but
according to Willis, will increase when the construction of the
delayed stands picks up.
Willis expressed confidence that things would be on stream
shortly, and the necessary infrastructure in place for its required
inspections, and subsequent usage.
These sentiments were echoed by Minister Xavier who said he was
very enthused about the stadium, but was particularly concerned
about areas such as Security, Medical, Transportation and
Accommodation which he stressed are major challenges.
The minister said his greatest concern was with Public Relations,
which is lagging.
Xavier, who also overlooked the facility's progress during his
tenure as Minister of Works, stressed that “every Guyanese must be
involved” and opined that the Stadium would offer the opportunity
for the capital to be returned to its former “glory days” when it
was referred to as the “Garden City”.
The honorable minister is also chairman of the LOC as well as an
Oversight Committee said he was looking forward to working with all
stakeholders and players to make Guyana's leg the best, and
expressed hope that overall the region's effort would be remembered
as top-class .
Willis assured the gathering that there was no problem with steel
or cement, and a stone shortfall would soon be alleviated.
Meanwhile, the consulting firm Design and Construction Services
has been appointed to supervise construction and quality control
programming, along with cost control of the facility.
Former media operative Troy Peters has been appointed
Public Relations and Marketing Manager of the Guyana World Cup
Committee.
Tuesday
11-15-2005
