PRESIDENTIALresidential Advisor on Community Development Odinga Lumumba, Friday conducted a pre-bid site meeting on the grounds of Tipperary Hall, Buxton, East Coast Demerara, where the new structure is to be built.  Joining Lumumba were the nine contractors that intend to bid for the contract to erect the new structure, as well as community leaders and other Buxtonians. Lumumba said that the site meeting was as per government regulations so that the bids submitted would be in relation to the site and not be done in abstraction.
The Project consultant is Phyllis Bacchus. Project Design and Construction, Andre Howard Construction Services, Jagatnarian Singh, William Wilson, VI Graham and Associates, Eagle Transport and General Construction, Atlas Construction, Pioneer Construction Services, and Jakeshan construction all intend to place bids. They have until November 9 to submit their bids.
Lumumba said that this is the first step in the process of fulfilling another commitment made by the Jagdeo Administration to the people of Buxton, adding that government has always understood the importance of the community of Buxton in the development of Guyana and places the reconstruction of Tipperary Hall in its correct historical context.
Credit, Lumumba said, must be given to those individuals who were the catalysts for the revival of the Hall.
Ronald Young recalled that Tipperary Hall was built by the children of ex-slaves more than 85 years ago and was primarily a benevolent society. Malcolm Parris added that it evolved into meeting place for political and social gatherings. He noted that the Hall provided a base for education too as most of the social clubs met there.
Overhaul of the facility was among the many priorities that emanated from a needs analysis of the village after President Bharrat Jagdeo’s historic visit and interaction with residents on August 18 last.
The new concrete two-storeyed facility has the same size and width as the old building, but would include a library, an office, classrooms for computer training, a lavatory block, and an auditorium with stage, changing room and a bar.
Construction of the building is slated to commence early December after the ceremonial sod turning. (GINA)