– Lumumba
THE new $50M Tipperary Hall at Buxton, East Coast of Demerara, is 95 percent complete and the deadline for the project will be announced shortly, Presidential Advisor on Empowerment, Mr. Odinga Lumumba indicated yesterday. In an interview with the Guyana Chronicle,
he said the aim of the construction is to provide recreational and sporting facilities in the community and even for persons outside it, who wish to use the building for such purposes.
He admitted that the building was scheduled to be finished a few weeks ago but said there were a few setbacks. However, works are being done to ensure smooth and continued progress.
According to him, the completion was affected because “everyone has been busy with the elections and other factors, so we were unable to finish.”
Lumumba, himself a Buxtonian, said what is left to be done is the internal walls of the structure and tiling of the bottom floor.
He said he will soon be meeting with the various associated stakeholders to make sure that the building is functioning effectively for the New Year.
“Some of the items are costly since we made some adjustments to improve the original design,” Lumumba explained.
The residents believe that the edifice will serve as a vehicle to unite them and engage the youths meaningfully.
The original Tipperary Hall was built in 1909 on the same site but, in 2010, the erection of its replacement was initiated following meetings between former President Bharrat Jagdeo and villagers, to whom he had given an undertaking.
The sod was turned on December 20, 2010 and the contract is being executed by Victor Graham and Associate Services.
The upper flat of the concrete two-storey is finished and the water system is functional.
Other additions will include an auditorium with stage, library and kitchen for Home Economics classes, Information Technology laboratory, administrative office and sanitary block.
Tipperary Hall was a popular venue, dating back to 1909, for social, cultural, educational and political activities.
Lumumba, who also has responsibility for community development, said projects are also being undertaken in several other areas.
“We have completed the Mackenzie Sports Club Basketball Court and are presently completing the rehabilitation of the one at Amelia’s Ward. We are rehabilitating the Enmore Community Centre and we are doing a bleaching at Tuschen, among others,” he disclosed.