The City Hall building was once again condemned and deemed a public hazard by the Guyana Fire Service following an inspection done on Thursday.
Georgetown Mayor Ubraj Narine, when contacted by Stabroek News stated that the building was previously condemned in 2016, even while they continued to occupy it.
Narine explained that the plan is to engage with several stakeholders on the matter to discuss the way forward.
However, as a temporary means of fixing a stairway in the building that is in urgent need of repairs, the mayor disclosed that the council was advised to begin immediate work to support the stairway. If left undone it can bring down the entire Town Clerk’s Office and a section of the Chambers.
Another alternative being considered by the council is to relocate the Town Clerk’s Office. These options, Narine stated, are presently being discussed.
Meanwhile, Fire Chief Kalamadeen Edoo in a brief comment stated that the Fire Service is presently engaged in a routine inspection campaign and so far they have inspected 26 buildings along Regent Street in Georgetown.
He explained that following the inspections, recommendations will be submitted to the organizations to be followed.
In relation to City Hall, Edoo stated that early in 2020, the building was inspected and various deficiencies were found. Subsequently, it was advised that the staff relocate.
Additionally, Narine at a recent press conference had said that once the Administration building is completed to a point that will allow some departments of the council to occupy it, the council will then begin using the $100 million that was allocated to the restoring of the City Hall building.
The mayor believes that it is wise for the government to sit with the council and engage in discussions with their engineers, external engineers, along with the report from the European Union (EU) to better determine which section off the City Hall building the allotted $100 million should go towards.
He added that according to the EU report, $100 million is not enough to fix the entire City Hall since a previous estimate was pegged at close to $1 billion.
Narine stressed that the council does not want to take the route of blaming anyone but is asking for cooperation to move forward with the development of the city.
Meanwhile, Minister of Local Government and Regional Development Nigel Dharamlall, stated that the development of the city is on the government’s agenda and it will be looking at ways to tender for the restoration of City Hall soon.
He noted that the review of the tender document is practically completed.
In 2016 the building was deemed a fire hazard by the previous Fire Chief Marlon Gentle, who had advised against any mass gatherings at the venue.
Stabroek News had reported that Narine, after taking office, in his attempt to have the building restored, had launched a restoration fund in hopes of sourcing donations to help fund works on the building.
However, an update on the status of the restoration fund as of last year revealed it to be stagnant, since persons had stopped making donations. (Readawne Henery)
