If all goes according to plan the tender process for the construction of a modern swimming facility complete with warm up pools will begin sometime in the next few days. Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Dr. Frank Anthony told Stabroek Sport that an almost five-acre portion of land been identified at Pattensen on the East Coast of Demerara, for the construction of the facility. “50 million dollars has been set aside for it this year but overall we know it will take much more than that so we will be doing it in phases.
“Right now we are finalizing the Bill of Quantities and in a week or so it should go out to tender,” Anthony said. The first phase will see the construction of the 50-metre pool and the 25- metre warm up pool, with a diving pool and other facilities gaining consideration in the future.
The initiative has been long overdue and comes in response to repeated calls from competitive swimmers and the sports’ administrators for an internationally acceptable swimming facility. Anthony pointed out that, that was only one part of several initiatives aimed at boosting sport facilities in this country. A multi sport complex is also under consideration, but Anthony said that was still in the conceptualizing stages with artistic impressions now being put together. Just recently the ministry carried out some rehabilitation works to the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall which included resurfacing the floor, repairs to the electrical circuitry and also work on the washroom facilities.
