By Colin Bynoe Jr

THE much-anticipated construction of an International standard eight–lane 400-metre synthetic track at Burnham Park in New Amsterdam, Region 6 has hit phase three of a four-phase project.

Berbicians are buzzing and happy to see the start of such a project. Besides boasting some of the country’s naturally talented athletes, this initiative, when completed, will add spice to track and field in Berbice and by extension Guyana.

Construction Company BK International was awarded the contract of this historic facility at a cost of G$141M. Chronicle Sport on a recent visit to the construction site witnessed workers on the go with several ground works, which included constructing drainage systems (laying draining pipes), inner and outer track works and asphalting.

Adequate drainage is crucial to maintaining the integrity and longevity of a synthetic track surface and its sub-base materials. The drainage system will be built in such a way that it captures and drains rain water. It can also perform as a water collection system for the athletic field, all of which will most likely to be completed in four months.

It is understood that the final phase will be the laying of the actual synthetic track and when completed sometime in December the track will be outfitted with 8 lanes and will be 400m in dimension.

In addition it will have all the facilities to host international track and field meets. Football enthusiasts will be elated also, as provision is being made for the construction of a full-size football field within the track.

The project is being funded by the Government of Guyana through the Ministry of Social Cohesion, Culture Youth and Sport.