Minster of Sports, Daryll Matthew, has reaffirmed government’s commitment to completing the now infamous structure intended to house bathroom facilities at the YASCO Sports Complex, stating that it will take at least $350,000.00 to complete the project.
Speaking on state-owned Antigua Broadcasting Services (ABS) this week, Matthew clarified that the debated structure will house bathroom facilities for members of the public who visit the track & field facility while new structures will be erected at the south-east end of the grounds and will cater strictly to athletes.
“It’s funny when you state facts people say you’re talking politics but it’s reality. We inherited a facility that was partially built several years ago. Did we have responsibility to finish it? Absolutely. Do we have the responsibility to finish it now? Absolutely. We have received two estimates both of which comes to about $350,000.00 to finish that facility which we have committed to doing,” he said.
“As recently as about two weeks ago the Cabinet reiterated the decision to start it and to get it done. However, that facility in its current state is not suitable for the needs of YASCO so that is a public facility for spectators. However, you do require an athletes’ bathroom and changing room facility on the other side which we are now getting our estimates for,” he added.
The YASCO structure came into the limelight some weeks ago, after Cabinet announced government’s intentions to compete the structure which started over 15 years ago under the UPP administration. The structure has also remained unfinished for about 10 years under the current ABLP administration.
Matthew also revealed that upgrades are planned for the Mondo surface in an effort to ensure the track remains internationally certified.
“I have been having some conversations with Mr Cliff Williams, the General Secretary of the National Olympic Committee and he has advised me that he is in dialog now with Mondo to come and look at the surface of the track. As you would have indicated, the certification has a lifespan and we need to ensure the track remains a certified one and so over the next few days I expect to be hearing from General Secretary Williams about the status of that,” he said.
Government has pledged to complete the structure by the end of this year.
In January 2022, Matthew said that a total of $1,411,862 had been budgeted for the completion of the country’s lone track & field facility. The document also revealed that some $90,000 had been allotted for the completion of the controversial bathroom structure.
