Sport ministry hands out remaining $54M for grounds, centres

The Ministry of Sport yesterday released $54M; the balance of $100 million that had been allocated for the rehabilitation of grounds and community centres countrywide.

Minister Dr Frank Anthony said the sums had been budgeted for based on requests from communities but all the money will be given to the region in order to ensure accountability. Eight of 10 regional executive officers were presented with a percentage of the $54M sum, at a brief ceremony hosted at the sport ministry.

Sport minister Dr Frank Anthony (centre) is flanked by REOs from all but regions Six and Nine and Parliamentary Secretary Steve Ninvalle (third from right).

“We had put a cap of $1 million for each ground, but some communities had made a case, for example if they are doing a small pavilion $1 million might not do, so we have extended it to $2 million in specific cases and that is based on the project they have submitted,” Anthony said. All works and projects are to be supervised by regional officials.