Minister Singh says over $600M will be needed to execute works
AS government works to provide more recreational spaces across Guyana, Senior Minister with Responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, on Sunday disclosed the plans for the rehabilitation of community grounds in Region Six.
These works are in keeping with the announcement made by Vice-President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo in June when he pledged $400 million towards the enhancement of community grounds across the East Berbice-Corentyne region. A total of 122 grounds have been earmarked for rehabilitation works.
Dr. Singh, on Sunday, met with grounds committee chairpersons, the regional chairman and vice-chairman and stakeholders from the 19 Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) and three municipalities, at the Albion Sports Complex.
The minister explained that given the number of grounds in the region and the works identified, it would cost over $600 million which is much more than the amount currently allocated.
As such, a decision was taken to commence work on the most critical and essential areas and tackle the works in different phases.
The first phase will include fencing, landfilling, construction, and/or repairs to sanitary facilities as well as regular ground maintenance.
Over the past few weeks, the minister has visited the grounds to see firsthand the works that are needed, and to formulate a balanced approach to addressing the various issues.
Based on meetings with the local representatives, priorities were outlined for each ground.
The minister explained that given the limited funding available in this phase, the key concern would be to ensure that fences are in place to keep animals out of the facilities so as to avoid further damage.
He added that landfilling will include ploughing and leveling as well as some sectional raising to avoid waterlogging. Again he noted that given the size of some grounds, it would be difficult to raise the level to a stage where flooding can be entirely avoided in this phase.
Moreover, the availability of sanitary facilities was a common issue highlighted. Such facilities will be constructed on grounds that regularly host activities for use by players and spectators, while existing sanitary facilities will be rehabilitated.
Meanwhile, Dr. Singh said that he has noticed that several grounds are in a deplorable state which is due to the unavailability of “slashers.”
To this end, he committed to purchasing a fleet of slashers which will be attached to tractors that were given to each NDC. However, he pointed out that this will take some time as they have to be sure they are compatible with the tractors before they are bought and shipped into the country. In the interim, he committed to fixing any existing slashers so that the NDCs can share.
Minister Singh noted that the investment that is being made signifies a remarkable step towards fostering recreation and providing residents with an opportunity to play sports such as cricket and football.
He also emphasised the importance these grounds play in community life while noting their importance towards physical well-being and community cohesion.
“These grounds are very important centres of activity in the community. When I visited I was impressed. Some days when I visited cricket teams were there, this must be the renewal of activities on these community grounds. Berbice has produced many outstanding sports people, some of the country’s finest cricketers. We want this to lay the foundation for good quality cricket and good quality sports in Berbice so that this region can once again continue to produce world-class athletes [and] more importantly, produce competitive community activities. These grounds must be a hive of activities,” he added.
Towards the end of the engagement, the minster tasked those gathered with ensuring that the various committees are functional and ensuring that the investments are sustained and protected.
He further pledged to set up a platform where regular updates and concerns can be shared and addressed.
