BY COURDEL JONES – Construction work on the multi-million-dollar track and field stadium in New Amsterdam, Region Six, is moving forward at a commendable pace, as reported by Minister of Culture, Youth, and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr, during his recent site inspection on a Saturday.
Minister Ramson acknowledged that the project faced obstacles, primarily due to consistent rainfall and material shortages, which hampered the contractors’ progress. However, he emphasized that the situation has improved significantly, with the rain subsiding and the availability of materials stabilizing. This favorable turn of events is enabling the contractors to efficiently advance their work.
Minister Ramson elaborated on the upcoming phases of the project, stating, “We were able to get the project to a point where we want to see it. So, the next stage is the grassing, and that is going to happen within the next few weeks. They (contractors) also have to give their attention within the next few months to the said grass, making sure that it is receiving the care that is needed, similar to the one at the National Stadium.”
The government’s commitment to decentralizing critical facilities and promoting inclusivity in the regions is evident in its efforts to host similar events as those in Regions Three and Four.
Minister Ramson also disclosed plans to install FIFA-standard lights at the New Amsterdam stadium, paralleling the capabilities of Leonora, where international matches are hosted.
Notably, high-quality lights have already been installed on the grounds, and the stadium’s design will resemble that of the MacKenzie Sports Ground in Linden, Region Ten, which is currently undergoing construction.
Furthermore, Minister Ramson shared that the materials for the synthetic track have been procured and are awaiting installation. However, he clarified that before the installation phase can commence, the area needs to undergo asphalt paving, a process that will take approximately two to six weeks, depending on weather conditions, followed by an additional 14 days for proper curing.
This meticulous approach ensures that the New Amsterdam sports facility will be resilient against varying weather conditions and accommodate a range of sports, including cricket.
