1st phase of D’Urban Park Project nears completion – Patterson

Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson has noted a drastic difference in the progress of works at the

D’Urban Park Development Project, as the Ministry is on course to have the first phase of the project completed in the next few days.
During a recent site visit, Patterson told reporters that his Ministry has managed to make significant progress since its takeover of the project in late April. The Ministry had undertaken to complete six sections of work within three weeks.
These include roofing and remedial works for spectator bleachers; completion of superstructure, walls and roof for VIP stand; electrical wiring, lighting and power supply; access driveways and bridges; creation of sanitary facilities and drainage works.
These works were slated to be completed this week and, according to Minister Patterson, he was confident that the facility would be completed as per schedule. He shared that the goal was to have the site ready to be handed over to the National Commemorative Committee by this weekend for further preparations for the Jubilee celebrations.
“A tremendous amount of work has been done and will continue to be done,” Minister Patterson said. He further stressed that heavy emphasis was placed on the safety of all the installed facilities. In fact, the Ministry’s Chief Works Officer, Geoffrey Vaughn, indicated that the factor of safety was improved from about 2.2 to 3.0.
Minister Patterson also said that contractors have been very cooperative and he commended them for working assiduously despite poor weather. “Everyone has really chipped in to make this project come together,” he said.
According to the Minister, at least 96 per cent of work on the stands and bleachers has been completed thus far, with all stands being outfitted with roofing. For the VIP stand, progress has been recorded at about 73 per cent, while the Ministry’s Special Projects Unit, which is responsible for the project’s road works, has achieved about 90 per cent completion.
At least 400 persons are working on the project to see it completed in time for the Jubilee celebrations later this month. Government has set aside some $150 million for the Public Infrastructure Ministry to complete the first phase of the D’Urban Park Development Project; however, the overall cost is yet to be determined.
In light of concerns being voiced about the need for such a facility, Patterson last week sought to clear the air, pointing out that the short-, medium- and long-term benefits to be derived from expending resources on the Park were considered and Government had determined that the cost was justifiable.
He noted that the facility would also be used for a variety of public events beyond the Jubilee celebrations, including the Mashramani float parade; religious ceremonies; food fairs and education exhibitions; musical concerts; medical outreaches; physical training and gymnastic displays. While persons have questioned the necessity of D’Urban Park to hosts jubilee events when there is the National Stadium available, the Public Infrastructure Minister explained that the hosting of President David Granger’s inauguration in May last year at that venue has highlighted the shortcomings of the Stadium.
“During the inauguration, the Stadium was filled to its capacity of 16,000 persons. This event also caused major traffic disturbances and safety concerns, as noted by the Police and Fire Departments, who cautioned against a similar activity at this venue. It is anticipated that our Jubilee celebrations will be witnessed by more than double the number of persons who attended the inauguration last year, thus leading to greater demand of space,” he explained.
According to Patterson, D’Urban Park is expected to hold some 30,000 persons, more than any other comparable sites, including the National Park.