By Treiston Joseph
Brian Ibrahim, Caribbean agent for BSW Regupol is promsing that when completed Guyana’s first synthetic track will have a quality surface capable of fast times.
“It goes well for Guyana to put this quality class two track fit for all competitions. We will see records broken and a quality surface that will last the test of time,” Ibrahim said.
The Trinidadian made the disclosure on Friday at the signing of the Phae two contract between the Ministty of Culture, Youth and Sport and BSW Regupol at Main Street.
Courtney Benn Construction Limited’s engineer, Jason Harewood gave an update on the progress of phase one.
“Well, phase one commenced in December of 2010 and basically this project involves the general civil work for the entire area, drainage and irrigation work for the entire area, the road work, culverts, parking lots and track area.
“The main area is the track area and after the rain, work is currently being done on the main access road and the culverts,” he added.
BSW Regupol the company that will be responsible for the second phase is a Germany-based company and has laid the 2009 world championships track in Berlin where 100 and 200 metres record holder Usain Bolt broke both record.
According to Ibrahim…“it was the first track he ran on that he did not have any fatigue after the race.”
After the signing of the contract, Patrick Pitt of the Designer Construction and Services Limited and supervising engineer for phase two who will work along with BSW Regupol in the laying of track, outlined the details of the second phase.
“Let me just say that at the end of this phase there will be a class two category five track, as we all know the base was done by Mr. Courtney Benn and the circuits will be laid by Regupol.
“We have other works which would be infrastructure which will include stands, changing rooms, sanitary facilities, etc., the contract that we just signed also has a six months duration period.”
He added:”It will also have an internal drainage system like the one installed at the National Stadium.
“We have a few other projects that will come out in lot two and that is a general overview of the project.”
Minister of Culture Youth and Sport, Dr. Frank Anthony spoke of the government’s commitment to the project.
“As you know we have given a commitment to build and develop this track at Lenora and we are making steady progress on this facility and I want to reinforce our commitment that we want to see this project through.
“Both companies are well experienced but for us it’s the first time we would be putting down such a surface in Guyana but I’m very optimistic that once both companies stay in constant discussion and collaboration that the laying of the surface will go without a hitch. We will also leave the door open to the private sector to help develop this facility.
“Parallel to this, I want to let you know that we have engaged the Guyana Athletic Association and have been having constant meetings to develop programmes so as the track becomes available it can be utilized, we also want to develop ties so that we can host signature events on an annual basis.”
When asked by Stabroek Sport if the location was the best depending on accessibility to the track, Anthony replied:“I’m convinced that it is the best location because we did studies on about 7-9 other sites but because of all we wanted to do, this is the best and clubs will have to work out along with us for transportation for their athletes because training would be necessary.
“I know there was some concern with the wind coming across from the Atlantic but we also did studies on that and the way the track will be built along with the stands that will act as wind breakers this will not affect the performances,.” Dr Anthony assured.
The entire project is set to last 18 months but no promises were made by Dr Anthony for it to finish on schedule because of glitches that could occur.
