MINISTER of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr. Frank Anthony in response to a question posed by A People’s Partnership for National Unity (APNU) member, Christopher Jones, gave the National Assembly a status report on the Synthetic Track project at Leonora, West Coast Demerara on Thursday.

This project is divided into three phases and thus far, phase one for which Courtney Benn Contracting Services Limited was contracted, is completed.
Phase two has six lots. The first, which will see the laying of the synthetic surface, was awarded to Regupol. This is a German company that has been supplying the sporting, education, retail, commercial and construction industry with the internationally recognised range of Regupol recycled rubber flooring and acoustic underlay products and systems for over 25 years.
Lot two is awarded to BK. International and will see the completion of the track foundation. Works are expected to be completed by this month end.
The third lot includes the construction of the inner field and drainage system. Works are being executed by Eagle Transportation and General Construction and are about 40 percent complete.
The scope of work for the fourth lot includes the construction of the boundary fence and ticket booths, undertaken by JPM’s General Construction.
However, this contract was terminated for non-performance. The remaining work was subdivided into four sub-lots and retendered to Bhola Nauth Ramraj and Andre Howard Construction Services. These works are about 26 percent complete.
Meanwhile, lot five which includes the construction of internal roads and associated structures is about 10 percent complete. This was awarded to Pioneer General Construction. Lot Six, the final lot in phase two was awarded to BK International. Work, which includes the construction of the northern stands will commence next month.
The third phase of the project will be tendered after the approval of the 2013 national budget. It includes the construction of the southern stands, sanitary facilities, club house and pavilion and the eastern parking lot.
Thus far, contracts to the value of $651M have been awarded for phases one and two. Payments made to various contractors for works completed amount to $374M. Phase two of the project is expected to be completed this year; while the third phase is scheduled to be completed in 2014.
The synthetic track and field facility sits on 30 acres of land and is one of many sporting facilities being constructed by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic Administration to re-ignite and renew sport and athletics in Guyana.