Work on the construction of the national multi-sports complex has officially got underway as a contract was signed for the architectural designs of the facility on Friday June 9th.
The contract signed is between the Government of Dominica and Puerto Rican firm, Marques and Marques Architectos.
The Hon Finance Minister and Prime Minister, Dr Roosevelt Skerrit says this marks a great day for sports development in Dominica.
Hon Skerrit hopes that the facility will serve as motivation for young men and women to engage in sports professionally.
“We all know that over the last two decades there has been a revolution in people’s ability to make a decent living out of sports. That sports is the highest paid profession now in the world. No matter where you are from you can make it to the highest level of your sporting discipline. We recognize as a country that we need to have the facilities at the international level. This is why we are moving towards the construction of this indoor sports facility, which will cater for basketball, volleyball, netball. We have a swimming pool, we have tennis courts and we also have some of the courts that will be outside so that we can have for day to day playing. This is going to be a significant investment in our young people and in sports development.”
Marques and Marques Architectos will also provide management and supervision services of the project while Dominicans will be engaged in actual construction.
The Hon Prime Minister says ease of maintenance will be considered in the designs.
A delegation of members of various sports associations and the steering committee for the facility, including former sports minister, Rupert Sorhaindo accompanied the Hon Minister for Sports, Justina Charles to Puerto Rico earlier this year to view first-hand the work of the company.
Hon Charles detailed some of the features of the complex.
“The design of the complex will include the indoor facility which will comprise three courts. Also expected to be part of the design are outdoor courts, two tennis courts and a swimming pool. It is worthy to note that the Ministry of Sports, Youth, Culture and Constituency Empowerment engaged a wide section of stakeholders which includes representatives from each of the court sports who presently serve on the technical committee to bring to bear their knowledge of the requirements as per international standards. It is therefore fair to say that with the advent of this indoor facility Dominica will be positioned to host regional and continental events.”
The contract signed is for an amount of EC$3.68 million