Watooka House reopens after $50M upgrade

Watooka House Thursday reopened its doors after several months of rehabilitative extensive work on the property to the tune of $50M.

The colonial-style complex boasts a guest house, a newly refurbished swimming pool, manicured lawns, a basketball court, a tennis court and a new deck overseeing the Demerara River.

Also included in the upgrades was an overhaul of the suites and kitchen, extension of the restaurant, the installation of a wireless internet access system and the acquisition of several modern amenities.

Watooka Complex has been in existence for decades located on the Mackenzie shore in the mining town of Linden and has its history enshrined in the commencement of bauxite mining.

The complex is a tourist hotspot in the mining town and has hosted dignitaries from all over the world.

In attendance at the ribbon-cutting ceremony and grand reopening were Minster of Business Haimraj Rajkumar Minister within the Ministry of Communities Annette Ferguson, Minister within the Ministry of Agriculture with responsibility for Rural Affairs, Valerie Adams-Yearwood and Linden Mayor, Waneka Arindell.

Minister Ferguson described the complex as “crucial to the retention of the nation’s heritage and that of our history”.

As the minister responsible for the tourism industry in Guyana, Minister Rajkumar made it known the deep history that surrounds the landmark complex.

The guest house was built in the 1940s and served as a club for the expatriates who were employed with the Demerara Bauxite Company. Later, the colonial building transformed into a guest house.

The Business Minister noted the Watooka House’s capacity for growth and tourism and the pivotal role the newly refurbished complex will play in Linden’s development.

Mayor Arindell said that the township of Linden is grateful for the upgrades the complex has seen as it will help to transform Linden.

“Linden is now in the right place [to see] magnificent changes to now be made.”

Watooka House hosts guest, birthdays, weddings, parties and is a famous recreational spot for both Lindeners and out-of-region visitors. (Extracted and modified from Department of Public Information)