The Ministry of Youth, Culture Youth and Sport on Monday signed another contract with BK International to complete asphalt work around the synthetic track being built at Leonora, even as the first phase of construction continues.
Minister Dr Frank Anthony said it is imperative that the asphalt layer of the track is stable to prevent the artificial track that will be layered over it from deteriorating, as had been noted during the construction of other synthetic tracks. He also said that because of its clay base, which can lead to instability, Regupol (the German company that is expected to lay the rubber surface of the track) has recommended the use of geotextile material to stabilize the area.
“BK has very stringent technical requirements to meet, as the smoothness of the surface will be tested with a laser level to ensure all conditions are met,” Anthony said, according to a Government Information Agency (GINA) press release.
Meanwhile, Egan Bazilo, one of the directors at BK International, expressed confidence that the company can deliver a job well done and in the allotted six-month timeframe.
Permanent Secretary at the ministry Alfred King explained that the asphalt works would be similar to road construction “but there will be no kinks, bumps or humps, so that when the artificial surface is applied it will be smooth.” The contractors “will bring the 400-metre surface to an asphaltic finish which will take about six months to complete,” he said. Stabroek Sport’s efforts to contact King about how works are progressing on the track proved futile.
According to GINA, the minister was confident that by mid next year the track will be ready for use, though contracts for the stands which are expected to facilitate 8,000 people are yet to be awarded. Anthony said the project is being financed solely by the government and funds are only released after they have been budgeted annually, therefore money for the stands will be allocated in 2013.
In addition, Director of Design and Construction Services Limited Andrew Pitt noted that the first phase of the project is still ongoing with the parking lot and entrance road having been completed up to white sand, sand clay level respectively. He also said that the inner field has already been sand filled and the planting of vegetation will begin next week.
