CASH Renovation: Two years and $351m later, is it worth the time and money?

Sports Desk comment

The Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH), an iconic figure of Guyana’s sports infrastructure landscape, has undergone a lengthy and costly renovation process. While it has not been formally opened, and there are certain facets of the facility that are yet to be completed, it has hosted two events over the last week, the ongoing Kashif & Shanghai Futsal competition on Christmas night and the Elton Dharry/Guyana Boxing Board of Control (GBBC) Pro-Am Card last night.

With the first phase of the renovation contract awarded in November of 2022, the project promised a modernized facility that could host international events, but questions linger about the delays, missed deadlines, and escalated costs.

In a Kaieteur News Sports article dated December 6, 2022, Minister of Culture, Youth & Sport, Charles Ramson Jr. had said that  “$97M covers only the first phase of the rehabilitation project”. Other sectors of the renovation were put to tender, as Kaieteur News reported; “the Ministry had also invited bids for the repair of the main roof which is estimated to cost $12.5M, electrical installation works which is estimated to cost $37.9M and the heating, ventilation and, air conditioning (HVAC) installation works, estimated to cost $74.2M”.

Those sums add up to $221.6M, but as of this year, over $351 million has been allocated to the renovation, with the most significant expenditure of $237 million occurring in 2023.

An additional $59 million was expected to be spent in the latter part of this year, to bring the facility to completion. Despite ‘assurances’ in Parliament back in August of this year from Ramson Jr. that the project will stay within budget, there are concerns about financial oversight and efficiency.

The main objective of the renovation aimed to provide state-of-the-art amenities, including a modern HVAC system and enhanced spectator seating. However, delays, attributed to procurement issues such as the recall of air conditioning units, have delayed progress and disrupted the timeline.

Originally set for completion by September 30 this year, the project has exceeded its deadline, with the facility now projected to be ready in the coming weeks. While officials maintain that over 85% of the work is complete, the setbacks have raised questions about the management of the renovation process.

On face value, the upgrades should elevate CASH to international standards, potentially boosting Guyana’s capacity to host world-class sporting events. These upgrades align with the government’s vision of enhancing the country’s sports infrastructure. Yet, it can be argued that the delays and the significant financial outlay, raise questions about the efficiency and foresight of the project.

Looking at the long-term model for development of sports overall in Guyana, would the funds have been better spent on multiple smaller facilities to promote grassroots sports development across Guyana? Did the government and the Ministry of Culture, Youth & Sport adequately anticipate and plan for the procurement challenges that caused delays?

As in all things, the sports fraternity and public  are divided in their reception of the project. While the government’s commitment to modernizing the facility calls for praise, frustration over the prolonged timeline and escalating costs is evident. 

In the end, the success of the renovations will be judged not just by the completion of the facility but by its impact on sports in the country.

If the upgraded CASH attracts international events and helps to foster local talent, the investment may prove worthwhile. However, it remains to be seen if challenges will persist. If the facility fails to meet expectations, the renovation may very well be taken as an expensive lesson.

With 2025 looming large on the horizon, time will reveal whether the delays and money spent on the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall were justified.