Minister of Culture Youth and Sport, Dr. Frank Anthony, Tuesday signed a $16M contract for rehabilitation work at the Umana Yana, Kingston.
The contract was awarded to Captain of the Gunns Community, Paul Chekema, and a team of 30 persons to begin rehabilitation works at the Umana Yana.
Rehabilitation of the structure built by the Wai Wais back in 1972 is scheduled to begin on July 16, and is estimated to conclude mid-August.
This is the third time renovation work is being done on the benab.
Palm leaves from St. Cuthbert’s Mission will be used to reconstruct the roof, and some supports inside are to be replaced.
The Minister said he had decided to award the contract to the Gunn community as this would boost economic activities in their region. Accommodation for the workers will be provided at the Sophia Exhibition Centre, courtesy of the Ministry.