Significant progress has been made on Section A of the new wing for the General Hospital in Grenada since construction began in September 2006. Project Coordination Services are being provided by the Agency for Reconstruction and Development (ARD) on behalf of the Government of Grenada. Consultant Protelcon of Caracas is providing Design and Project Management Services, while Inversiones 7.000 A.C.,C.A. of Caracas is the contractor for the multimillion dollar project, which is funded by Venezuela. Excavation of Section A is 80 percent complete. This includes the removal of more than 2,000 cubic yards of material. Additionally, some 150 yards of trenches were dug to drain excess water, and 650 cubic yards of bonding material were imported to deal with underground water currents at the site. Preparation of the base for Section A is completed, including installation of reinforced steel bars. Pouring the concrete for the foundation slab took place over a 48-hour period, with workers remaining on the job around the clock on December 21 and 22, 2006. ARD Director of Physical Infrastructure Patrick Noel said: “The dedicated efforts of these workers demonstrate that when Grenadians have to produce under pressure in a timely manner, we certainly can produce; particularly at this time when the Country is preparing for Cricket World Cup.” Noel had traveled to Venezuela and Colombia in October 2006 to inspect the fabrication of the structural steel columns. A total of 510 tons of structural steel was fabricated in Venezuela and Colombia, of which 40 percent was delivered before the end of 2006. The installation of structural steel columns is scheduled to commence later this month. Section A of the New Wing is designed to accommodate five storeys. The first storey of the hospital is expected to be completed in time for cricket world cup. Reprinted from Caribbean Net News caribbeannetnews.com