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Olympic-size pool to cost $316M
By Franklin Wilson
Guyana’s first Olympic-size swimming pool is set to be completed by the first quarter of next year according to Minister of Culture Youth and Sport, Dr. Frank Anthony.
The project, which commenced last year January, after all the paperwork – which started in 2007 – was concluded, came to a halt in November for a revision. It was subsequently re-started last May.
Works currently ongoing at the site for the Olympic size swimming pool
Initially, it was felt that a diving pool, an Olympic size pool and a warm up pool could have been achieved but Dr. Anthony said that the cost would have been too much for the Government of Guyana to undertake. It was therefore decided to go with what Guyana needed at the moment.
“We went back to the drawing board and decided to develop just a swimming pool of Olympic dimensions – 50m by 25m and the depth would be three meters – that is now the recommended FINA specifications,” Dr. Anthony explained.”
In addition to the pool, the Minister disclosed that there would be a spectators mound on the eastern side of the facility to accommodate between 800 and 1000 persons. Towards the northern side of the mound sanitary facilities would be installed while on the western side, a building would be constructed which would accommodate changing rooms, lockers and other amenities that go along with such a facility. There will also be the pump house.
“It would also house a storage area while upstairs there will be a viewing gallery for VIP’s – that’s what is happening. So when they are finished we will be receiving a complete facility ready for use by our swimmers.”
Minister Anthony pointed out that this country has never had anything like this. “I guess that is why we have had so many teething problems because we just don’t have the expertise.”
He said he visited the worksite just last week and considerable progress was being made.
“They have now dug the pool to the required level so I guess very shortly they would be starting other works.”
In terms of expenditure, some $40 million of the overall $316 million has been expended in preparatory works, which include driving of piles among other works.
Engineer of the Ministry of public works, Walter Willis, is doing additional oversight of the project while there is also a swimming oversight committee, which includes persons from the Ministry of Sport, Ministry of public works, the Contractor/Consultant and the President of the National Swimming Association.
Questioned as to whether he believes that the Guyanese people would get value for money, Dr. Anthony said he is quite certain this would be achieved.
“I am very certain and satisfied that we would get value for money especially with the new design. We have also been following the international specifications as recommended by the World Body FINA as I believe we are on the right track.”
The Contractor for the project is Kares Engineering Inc. while the Consultant is E & A Consultants Inc.
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