(Trinidad Guardian) As a matter of priority, newly-installed chairman of the Urban Development Corporation (Udecott) Jearlean John is planning to investigate whether contractors are still liable to repair infrastructural defects in the construction of the TT$1 billion Brian Lara stadium. Sources who spoke with the Guardian on Sunday revealed that parts of the stadium, which had not been officially handed over to the Government as yet were falling apart. The media tower was leaking badly and some the seats in the pavilion were broken.
An insider source who works at the site said water was gathering in the gym and the VIP lounge and the roof covering the multi-purpose building was built so high that it could not provide shelter for the 15,000 people who are expected to be accommodated. “The seat infrastructure was supposed to be imported, but they built it here and now it is falling apart…The grounds of the stadium are in good condition but the actual building is getting dilapidated,” the source said. Residents of Tarouba, who live on the outskirts of the stadium, said it was frustrating to see the massive cost overruns at the facility, which is located on 180 acres of land.
Gasparillo resident John Charles said: “It is time that the stadium be put to use…It supposed to be open already but if the