The Trinidadian firm which has won the $780m contract to rehabilitate the neo-gothic City Hall boasts of experience in restoring buildings to their architectural glory.
Fides Limited which has recently registered here as Fides Limited Guyana specialises in construction of buildings, schools, infrastructural works, restoration works, dredging (land and marine), concrete works -inclusive of, but not limited to, retaining walls, it said on its website.
With over 12 years of experience in the industry, the company stated that their engineers have a wealth of experience and knowledge with attention to detail, ensuring the highest level of quality and accuracy.
According to its profile, the company is headquartered in the Twin Island capital of Port of Spain and has done restorative works on the country’s first Catholic Church in Port of Spain, which was built in 1781.
The company said that it was retained by the Urban Development Corporation of Trinidad and Tobago (UDeCOTT), to engage in restoration works on Whitehall, Mille Fleurs and Stollmeyer’s Castle, all of which form part of the Magnificent Seven historical landmarks in the country. They were also contracted to conduct restoration works on Phase One of the Heritage Library.
“Over the past 12 years, FIDES LIMITED has been catapulted into a firm known for its exquisite restoration works, timely construction projects and corporate social responsibility initiatives”, the Company said in its online profile. It added that its ‘FIDES LIMITED’ brand has become synonymous with impressive construction designs and restorative works, which capture the essence of its clients’ needs.
The scope and plan for the restoration has not been disclosed.
Three days ago, Government signed a contract with the company for the restoration of City Hall, which has been falling apart for decades. The city had been unable to finance major works. Current Mayor Ubraj Narine had launched a restoration fund however not much was raised.
The building has been declared a hazard to public safety and deemed by the Guyana Fire Service and the Chief City Engineer as unsafe for public use.
Earlier this year, the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development issued an invitation for bids for the restoration of City Hall. The invitation was seen as a major first step towards saving the crumbling, historic building which has languished for years.
According to reports, the restoration of the historic building is said to be a collaborative effort of the Local Government Minis-try, the City Council and the European Union.
Local Government Minister Nigel Dharamlall during the contract signing last week said this project should not be seen as something in isolation but as part of a greater picture that demonstrates how the government will pursue development in the country. He told the gathering that the project should be completed within its estimated time frame as it is unlikely that the due date for the project will be extended. An 18-month timeline has been established for the completion of the project.
In his budget presentation in February this year, Dharamlall had announced that a sum of $100 million had been allocated for the restoration of the City Hall building. He said then that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic administration is determined to restore the historic building and works will commence this year. He had also said that President Irfaan Ali had set up an inter-ministerial committee to rebuild the city.
The original construction of City Hall was completed in June 1889. It was designed by Fr Ignatius Scoles.
