Patterson defends use of D’Urban Park for jubilee celebrations

Artist’s impression of the completed D’Urban Park

Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson on Wednesday defended the government’s decision to use the D’Urban Park for the impending independence celebrations, saying it would have almost twice the capacity of the National Stadium and would be more easily accessible to more citizens.

In a statement released on Wednesday, Patterson also confirmed that the $150M allocated for the ministry to complete Phase 1 of the project, which will see the venue readied for the May 26 golden jubilee celebrations,  has been provided from the Contingencies Fund.

In addressing sources of funding prior to the ministry assuming responsibility for the project, which had been mired in controversy, Patterson revealed that donations were made to