Olympic size pool can be commissioned by June, foundation completed

Jan 25, 2010 Sports

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Italy-based Myrtha Pools contracted to supply prefab pool

 

 

By Franklin Wilson

Work on the much anticipated 50 metre Olympic size swimming pool, a project funded by the Government of Guyana is progressing according to plan. That’s the word from Minister of Culture Youth and Sport, Dr. Frank Anthony.

In an interview with Kaieteur Sport, Dr. Anthony also disclosed that Italy based Myrtha Pools® has been contracted to build the prefabricated pool which is scheduled to arrive in Guyana by March of this year.

To date, the foundation works at the site of the pool have been completed while work is in progress on the grass mound, located to the eastern end of the facility running alongside the pool and which will accommodate 500 to 800 spectators. The sanitary block for this area has already been completed.

“They are now working on the main building. The downstairs of this building will house the changing rooms, offices and things like that and the upstairs will have an area for viewership for VIP’s and other officials.” Kares Engineering Inc., Dr. Anthony said, is responsible for the site works including development of the car park and fencing.

Myrtha Pools

Italy’s première swimming pool Company Myrtha Pools® has been contracted by the government to build and supply the pool which will cost close to $US 1 Million. Dr. Anthony disclosed that the world governing body for the sport, Fina and the Guyana Amateur Swimming Association were consulted for advice and they recommended Myrtha Pools which is also an official partner of the world body.

“We have since had a representative of Myrtha come to Guyana, Mr. Tiffany, who went to the site and did the necessary inspection and we have now signed a contract with Myrtha Pools and has also given them an advance.”

The pool will be manufactured (prefab) by this company and this process in currently underway in Italy. On completion it will be shipped to Guyana and this is expected by March, according to the Honorable Minister.

“They will be here to assemble and set up the pool when that time comes. Myrtha Pools is one of the leading manufacturers of pools in the world and have a very exciting track record in this regard. Going with them, we feel very confident and are satisfied that we will get value for money.”

Dr. Anthony said they are aiming to commission the facility which will be Fina certified by June of this year. The entire facility will cost over 300 million Guyana dollars and is expected to boost the sport in a major way. Guyana has been very competitive against other Caribbean territories even without an Olympic Size pool and will be a greater force to reckon with when the new facility is opened.

“This new pool will be tremendous for our swimmers who will be able to practice in a full 50M facility which will boost their chances of doing better at the regional level. It would make a huge difference in their overall performances. The pool would be one of the best for competitions in the Caribbean.”

Dr. Anthony said he is confident that the approach taken to have Myrtha Pools involved with the actual construction which will also include the pump house and filtration system among other amenities is vindicated.

“I think this is the right way to go since the facility will be up to international standards. I am very optimistic that what we have come up with is best for all.” Myrtha Pools the Minister noted was very happy to partner with the Government on this project which will be their first of its kind in the Caribbean.

“They also would have indicated that they want to work with a local company to help build capacity, so this augurs well for us. Locally we do not have the kind of experience and expertise to build an Olympic Size Pool. They are people who have built recreational pools which are not the same as those for competition.”

The Ministry of Sport will be operating and managing the facility, Dr. Anthony noted. He also said that the Guyana Amateur Swimming Association and other swimming bodies would be able to get time at the pool where provision is also being made for a warm up facility to be added in the future.

Refurbishing of the Colgrain Pool located on Camp Street will be done when the new facility is commissioned while a number of the programmes that are held at the former will be transferred to the latter.

“Colgrain actually has a large volume of persons attending from about 5 in the morning to about 10 at night, various groups passing through, so we will be able to decant some of that load to the new facility.” Myrtha Pools has built swimming pools in over 70 Countries around the world: from Iceland to Arabia, from Brazil to Japan, from United States to Australia; in all extremes of climatic and environmental conditions.

They have constructed pools for the World Championships in Rome (1994), Rio de Janeiro (1995), the Olympic Games in Atlanta in 1996, the Worlds in Perth (1998), Barcelona (2003), Indianapolis (2004), Montreal (2005), Melbourne (2007) and Olympic Games in Beijing 2008. Myrtha Pools® have been also been the pool of choice for the FISU Games, European Championships, USA Swimming as well as regional Games.

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