By Vanessa Brathwaite

MINISTER with responsibility for Sport, George Norton, has expressed satisfaction with ongoing works at the construction of the Linden Synthetic Track, after a site visit on Friday.

Norton, along with a technical team, inspected the ongoing works, which are currently at the third phase and said that he is very excited and hyped about what is in store for Linden, upon the completion of the track.

While he would have been inspecting both facilities, at Linden and New Amsterdam, Norton said he is particularly impressed with the construction at Linden.

 “I know that we are not so close to finishing, but we are a far way from where we started. I am impressed, particularly here in Linden, which is a little more than we have in New Amsterdam. I think we are meeting our deadlines. I can see this happening,” the minister posited.

Not only is he impressed with the transformation of the Bayroc Community Centre ground where the track is currently being laid, but is satisfied with the quality of work being carried out by the contractors.

The contractors and workers on site are also answering clearly all questions asked by the minister and team. They have also not related any hiccups and are confident that they will meet the deadline.

Minister Norton said that Region Ten has always positively contributed to sporting development in Guyana and the athletes have always represented Guyana well at international competitions.

 “Region Ten has been the foundation of sports and particularly track and field in Guyana without a synthetic track. Now that we are going to have one right here, with state-of-the-art and quality I am expecting much more. He particularly spoke of the athletes who will be participating in the Junior CARIFTA Games in 2020.  

Norton encouraged the residents of the surrounding communities to take pride in the facility and to keep a keen eye on the contractors to ensure that quality works are put out, since it will contribute to the improved aesthetics of the community.

The Linden sythethic track is being constructed by Builders Hardware and General Supplies, to the tune of $179M. This phase of the project includes   groundwork, laying of necessary drainage pipes, curb work, asphalting and concreting where necessary.

The track will also have the necessary amenities for all field events and the middle will be developed into a world-class football field. Phase four includes the laying of the synthetic material of an eight-lane 400-metre track.

The development of the pavilion and the additional surrounding space is a project that will be scheduled for a later time. The project is expected to be completed at the end of the year.