What is the total cost to taxpayers for the Olympic size swimming pool?

Sep 17, 2010 Letters

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Dear Editor,
As a member of the Swimming Club fraternity and citizen, I have an interest in our new Swimming Pool, and therefore, read carefully, the statement issued (16-09-10), by the Ministry of Youth & Sports, which described a Kaieteur News article as dishonest journalistic mischief. I hope at the end of the day, we will not need to redefine dishonest.
First, I have a high regard, respect and affection for the Minister of Youth & Sports, Honourable Dr. Frank Anthony. I therefore hope he will ensure that credible answers come from his Ministry.
The Ministry’s statement is full of contentious rhetoric, but responded to the Kaieteur News report only in part, and dealt with a portion of the questions I asked, in a letter published in SN.
The Ministry’s statement is unclear on this vital issue.
The sum awarded to Kares Engineering Inc., is given as $316, 394 million. The sum stated awarded to Myrtla Pool, USA in November 2009 is given as $455 million,
The question therefore is the cost to taxpayers; $316,394 million plus $455 million – $771,394 million.
This need to be made clear, put together consultant fees, contractors’ sum etc. What is the total cost to the taxpayers for this facility?
If as admitted by the Ministry, Kares Inc., did not have the capability or competence to do the whole project, why were they given the contract in the first place, which resulted in their own words, “in November 2008 after a comprehensive technical review, it was recommended that Kares Engineer Inc confines itself to specified works on the site, while international pool contractors Myrtha Pools, USA will provide us with a prefabricated pool solution.”
Fine clever words, good enough to deceive an infant, or satisfy a non-compos-mentis. So, we have two contractors for the one swimming pool. Why insult our intelligence?
The honourable Minister, if he is to retain the high regard the majority of citizens have for him, must insist that the official and the political grenadiers in his Ministry say where are the many pools, which Kares claimed they had built, for this was what helped promote their case.
Why did you award a contract to the bidder nearly 25% outside of the Engineer’s estimate? The bids were as follows: –
Bovell Construction    – $299.8M
Horizon Construction – $220.4M
Dynamic Engineering – $369.2
Nabi & Sons                – $337.8
Sue International Co., – $322
Andre Howard Const. – $338.2
Correira Construction – $342.5
Kares Engineering Inc., – $319.2 M
The Engineer’s estimate – $425.1 at 25%
The contract to Kares required them to provide a completed Swimming Pool with appurtenances as per contract agreement.
If a contractor fails to perform, he is sacked and replaced and asked to compensate the client, but it appears that these days we have a cadre of sacred cows making millions, and we petty men must remain silent, or in ignorance.
Only for the benefit of our youth – this clever mass deception must stop.
In any event, why do we need a prefabricated Swimming Pool with all the experience we were told exist with the contractors? The statement did not tell us what the life span of the prefab pool is.
This must be seen as a retrograde step.
These people often curse the previous government, but when the Castelani Pool was built, it satisfied all of the then Olympic standards.
Why did not the Government which should want to boost local products and the concept of self reliance, not at least follow the good example set years ago, or seek the advice of experienced locals. What use is all of these high paid government advisers then?
Did anyone see pages 49 of ‘An Anthology of Georgetown – Guyana and a piece of the World”?
For the benefit of all patriots, it is reproduced and speaks volumes.
Castelani Swimming Pool
“When this swimming Pool was built its size satisfied International Olympic standards.
During the planning stages, local and overseas experts advised that swimming pools could only be constructed with specially made imported tiles.
The then Head of State rejected this notion, since it was not consistent with the policy of import substitution. He directed that tiles made locally be used.
Consequently, except for the pumps and mechanical components everything else was produced from local raw materials.
On April 4th, 1975, work started. Eight specially designed Kilns were constructed on site and using local clay, a team working around the clock, produced large quantities of 2″x2″ ceramic tiles.
The late Ms. Leila Locke, an English lady, the wife of renowned Guyanese artist, Donald Locke personally supervised this unique indigenous experiment. She worked with dedication and did an exceedingly good job.
A map of Guyana designed of clay tiles is in the northeast end of the pool. Some special tiles were fabricated, to identify with certain characteristics of Guyana, and placed at the appropriate locations on the map. A golden tile represent a Gold producing area.
Another, a Diamond type splint, represents a Diamond producing area.
One of a dark shade represents a bauxite area.
Some lighter tiles represent the sugar and rice growing areas on the Coast. The Capital, Georgetown is also highlighted. An exercise room, ‘physiotherapy’ couches complete with sauna, complement this facility” etc.
This is reproduced for those interested in the truth, while we await straight, credible answers from the honourable Minister.
He may take the opportunity to tell us why in violation of the Greater Georgetown Development Plan, which placed the Pool east of the 1763 Monument, its location was changed. Millions were spent dumping sand in that area.
Who is the beneficiary?
The pool has stood the test of time for over three decades and vindicated Burnham’s passion to go local. When will our friends ever learn and give our people a chance to inhale and exhale the truth, justice, morality, and the fruits of the labour of their ancestors.
Hamilton Green, J.P.

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