CATEGORY:HEALTH FACILITY
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By Trevor Thwaites
Insid Grenada correspondent
Sunday December 10,2006


ST. GOERGE’S, Grenada - Health Officials say that work is now a pace to have a crucial part of the second phase of the General Hospital ready in time for the ICC Cricket World Cup, 2007. The second phase of the modern-day facility, which comprise three sections - A, B and C - is expected to be completed towards the end of next year. However, officials say that section A, which houses the accident and emergency departments, will be completed by the end of March.

The section is said to be one of the prerequisites for the country’s hosting of matches in the 2007 Cricket World Cup in the region. Over 200 tons of Steele columns and structural frames for the project arrived recently from Venezuela - a development which has delighted the ministry of health. Senior Planning Officer, Tessa Stroude, said that work is being intensified to have section A ready for the big event.

The second phase of the General hospital is valued at US$14 million and the Government of Venezuela is providing US$ 10 million for the venture. Project Supervising Engineering, Patrick Noel of the Agency (ARD), said that teams of workmen have been engaged in the reinforcement of slabs, excavation of debris and preparatory work. He said that the columns and frames have also arrived and that work to put the structure in place will begin this week.

Section A of the second phase of the project will accommodate the accident and emergency areas, while sections B and C will have several important departments. They include the physiotherapy, bio-medical, pharmaceutical, laboratory and administrative block.

Grenada will host six matches in the 2007 Cricket World Cup from April 10-20 next year. ICC Officials recently spoke favourably about the country’s preparations for the big event.

Final touches are being put on the national stadium at the Queens Park for the matches. The rebuilding of the facility that was destroyed by the passage of Hurricane Ivan, which ravaged the country in September of 2004, was seen as a major challenge. ICC officials during the recent inspection praised the work of the Chinese contractors, the government and Local Organizing Committee for a job well done. They have rated the facility among the top five in the world at the moment.