The Honourable Prime Minister Dr. Roosevelt Skerrit is assuring the Dominican public that the $5m project for the construction of a National Indoor Sports Facility, funded by the Government of Mexico, is still on the cards regardless of setbacks caused by TS Erika.
The Dominica leader explained that although funding for the project was already secured, a decision had to be made to ensure that housing was provided for displaced Erika victims.
Dr. Skerrit disclosed on Thursday, May 5th, “We have not scrapped the facility; all we’re saying is that there will be a delay in implementation. The Sports Ministry is still [working with] the designs. Once we can see our way with respect to the resettlement of the displaced communities, then I believe we will be in a position to look at the commencement [of work on] the facility. I see us, if all goes all well, commencing construction in 2017.”
The Honourable Prime Minister maintains that plans to upgrade the current sports facilities will not be affected.
“In the meantime, we have been looking at improving the Massacre Playing Field and the basketball court there with a view to ensure that the facilities there [are maintained.]
“Even if we have the indoor facility, we would still to upgrade Massacre in particular which is being heavily used for various activities. I’m hoping to put funds in the Budget for the Massacre Hard Court.”
The Honourable Prime Minister also revealed that a request has already been submitted to him for funds to retrofit a space for a public gym.
He disclosed that gym equipment from the Government of the People’s Republic of China has already been received.
“Very soon we will have a public gym. I would not like the Government to manage a gym...that’s where one of the associations should step in and partner with Government. We are providing the space.”
He asked, “Can we have an alliance of associations responsible for managing the gym? Set up a schedule so that the public can have access to it. We cannot rely on Government to do everything where sports are concerned.”
[File photos]