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by pltm
(PLTM) - With the start of the 2021 hurricane season now weeks away, the North Sound and the West End Community/Emergency shelters, are the only two among nine shelters territory-wide that have been completely repaired since the 2017 storms.
Minister for Health and Social Development Hon. Carvin Malone gave that indication while providing the House of Assembly on April 29 with an update on his ministry’s work on that front.
He said the West End Community Centre received upgrades that were funded by the European Union (EU), and arrangements are being made for a ceremony for the handing over of the keys.
“The first District Representative (Premier Hon. Andrew Fahie) together with the Territorial At-large representatives shall be informed of this handover date,” the Minister said.
He further informed that works that were recently completed included upgrades to the electrical and plumbing systems, kitchen cabinets and hurricane shutters. A new concrete roof was also constructed over the porch, and a new restroom was erected on the top floor.
Minister Malone said for the North Sound Community Centre in Virgin Gorda, repair works for this community centre was completed in July 2020.
Nonetheless, he said the works were “slightly delayed as a result of the Territory-wide lockdown due to COVID-19. It is important to note that persons who were affected by the 2017 storms continue to occupy the community centre. According to officials at the Social Development Department, efforts are being made to relocate the individuals so that the centre could be utilised for the purpose intended.”
Other community shelters update
In the meantime, Malone said, as it pertains to the East End Long Look Community Centre upgrades, that project was publicly tendered during the 4th quarter of 2020. He stated that Zane Potter Construction was the successful contractor, and the contract signing was scheduled for April 30.
The proposed start date is June 7, and “works are expected to be completed within three to four months.”
“Repair works to be done includes the installation of new windows and doors, repairs to the restrooms and plumbing system, repairs to the electrical system and other general repairs.”
Moving on to the Brewers Bay Community Centre.
Malone informed that the approved design for the new roof was submitted to the Ministry of Health & Social Development on April 23, 2021, and the next step is to hire a certified quantity surveyor to produce a priced bill of quantities for the repair works.
“Repair works will include construction of the new roof, windows and doors replacement, repairs to kitchen cabinets and other millwork, electrical and plumbing repairs/installation and painting of the building.”
He said the Deputy Permanent Secretary Mr. Greg Massicote is in charge of community centres, together with the project architects and will continue to keep the district representative informed and will facilitate a community meeting.
Meanwhile, for the Cane Garden Bay Community Centre, the priced bill of quantities for the repair works was submitted to Malone’s Ministry during the 1st quarter of 2021, he said.
He continued: “3DE Limited was engaged on April 20, 2021, to provide the drawings which will be used as part of the tender documents. Drawings should be completed by the middle of May 2021.Once drawings are completed, then the works will be tendered. Mister Speaker, way too long, but it is coming.”
As for the Valarie O. Thomas Community Centre in Sea Cows Bay, Minister Malone noted that the project of installing new windows was completed during the 1st quarter of 2020.
“Upgrade works, which indeed are funded by the EU, started in January 2021. The upgrade includes repairs to the roof, plumbing and electrical installation, repairs to the kitchen cabinets and other millworks and the installation of hurricane shutters. Works are expected to be completed by the end of May 2021. During the handover ceremony, the District Representative, together with the four At-Large Representatives will be there to hand over the keys to this centre,” he said.
For the Purcell Community Centre project, Malone informed that this is another EU funded project and will include repairs to the roof, kitchen cabinets and other millworks, installation of windows, doors and hurricane shutters, electrical and plumbing upgrade.
“According to Mr. Ronnie Lettsome, the Project Manager on behalf of the PAHO, the project will be publicly tendered by the 1st week of May 2021,” he said.
He continued: “Next Mister Speaker, the Anegada Community Centre. This project is also being funded by the EU. Mr. Lettsome is supposed to provide an official update on the scope of works by the 1st week of May 2021. This project was recently tendered, and bids are due by the 1st week of May 2021. According to Mr. Lettsome, works should commence during the month of June 2021.”
Finally, tthe Minister said Mr. Lettsome indicated that for the Long Trench Community Centre project that is also being funded by the EU, he will provide an official update on the scope of works by the 1st week of May 2021.
“Tender documents are currently being prepared. Mr. Lettsome will also provide a definitive date for the start of the tendering process.”
The community shelters are also being used as hurricane shelters.
