Residents of Sophia, Greater Georgetown, will soon benefit from a $51 million state-of-the-art multipurpose recreational facility.
The project, which forms part of the Ministry of Housing and Water’s Adequate Housing and Urban Accessibility Programme, was referred to as the single largest investment in a recreational facility.
The multipurpose recreational facility will have an open view deck and bleachers, tiled floors with wheelchair access ramp, basketball court along with solar floor lights and walkway lighting.
The contract for the project was signed on Thursday during a simple sod-turning ceremony at the facility’s intended ‘C’ Field Sophia location.
Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, addressing residents at the ceremony explained that the Adequate Housing and Urban Accessibility Programme is designed to improve the quality of life for residents in urban and peri-urban Georgetown by improving access not only to housing but to the infrastructure in the areas.
“This means that facilities like this one that will be built will help you have a better quality of life and the children will have a safe space to play and learn,” Croal said.
The minister added too that the community of Sophia was handpicked because of its potential.
“It is important that you know that these interventions in Sophia are not by chance. My government has carefully considered the needs of communities like Sophia and we want to ensure that all of the benefits from this programme will accrue to you,” he continued.
Meanwhile, Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues, outlined that the construction of the facility reinforces the government’s commitment to making all communities better.
“This will not only improve the look of the community, the aesthetics but it will enrich and enhance the lives of those who live here.
“When we talk about building sustainable communities, this is what we mean by that, that while we try to allocate house lots, we are trying to build neighbourhoods, we’re trying to build communities so that you can feel part of that community,” Minister Rodrigues said.
The facility will be constructed by Doonauth Construction and Supplies; construction is expected to last from June 7, 2021 to December 7 2021.