7 of the 9 community centres in the British Virgin Islands are still undergoing rehabilitation works even in the midst of the most active Atlantic Hurricane Season.
This was revealed by the Minister of Health and Social Development Carvin Malone during a recent Sitting of the House of Assembly.
According to Malone, the only two completed community centres to date are the West End Community Centre and the North Sound Community Centre – which was completed in 2020.
The minister updated the House on the progression of the remaining 7 uncompleted community centres in the territory.
The first listed was the Valarie O. Thomas Community Centre in Sea Cows Bay which is being funded by the European Union.
He said, “This community centre received repairs and upgrades to the roof, kitchen cabinets, bathrooms, hurricane shutters, electrical and plumbing system. Works were scheduled to be completed by the end of May 2021, however, due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and other external factors, the hurricane shutters and other important materials were delayed.”
“As a result, the estimated end date for completion of this project is now August 27th, 2021. Just two weeks away. I am sure Mister Speaker, the Honourable Member and the people of the Third District would be pleased to hear of this progress as we have to return some functions to this centre,” he added.
Purcell & Long Trench community centres
Minister Malone also updated residents on the Purcell and Long Trench community centres which are both being funded by the EU.
“Improvements to this facility (Purcell) includes the installation of new windows and doors, upgrades to the kitchen cabinets and bathroom facility and repairs to the electrical and plumbing system. The repairs to the perimeter fence is also included and welcomed as it would provide another layer of security to this facility. According to the Project Manager – Mr. Ronnie Lettsome, tenders for the repairs were received and evaluated. A final decision on the successful contractor is pending. I expect to receive some updates in the coming weeks on the selection,” he explained.
“I am pleased to report that repairs to the Long Trench Community Centre is also on the list of projects that are being funded by the EU. The scope of works on this project includes improvements to the kitchen cabinets, bathrooms, electrical and plumbing system, site drainage and perimeter fence. According to the Project Manager, the project will be publicly tendered in the near future,” he added.
East End / Long Look Community Centre
The next listed community centre was the East End/ Long Look Community Centre, which the minister said began repair works during the 1st week of June 2021.
He said despite the commencement of works, the project suffered a few setbacks due to ordering delays.
“The works to be done includes the installation of new windows and doors, repairs to the kitchen cabinets and bathroom facilities, painting and other general repairs. Unfortunately, work is not progressing as fast as we would have wanted it to go. There is a delay in the ordering of the windows, doors and other materials which is beyond our control and may ultimately affect the expected completion date. We will continue to monitor this project as this community centre is critical to the Seventh and Eighth Districts,” he stated.
Brewers Bay & Cane Garden Bay community centres
In giving his update on the Brewers Bay Community Centre, Minister Malone said a quantity surveying service was provided by Olle Group (BVI) Limited to estimate the total cost of the project.
“The project has been completed in terms of the design drawings by the Adams design team, it has been handed over for the particular quantity surveying so it would then go out for bid. Again, the Ministry knows of the importance of this project together with the Cane Garden Bay Community Centre to the residents and people of District Two. All will be done within the Ministry to make sure that these are completed,” Malone stated.
“The as-built drawings for the Cane Garden Bay Community Centre was recently completed. The Ministry of Health and Social Development is currently in the process of preparing the draft tender documents and other supporting documents which will later be forwarded to the procurement office where it will be publicly tendered,” the minister further detailed.
Anegada Community Centre
The final project on the list was the Anegada Community Centre which is also being funded by the EU.
Minister Malone said the works to be completed for this project will include: installation of windows and hurricane shutters, improvements to the bathrooms, electrical and plumbing systems, as well as works to the perimeter fence.
He said a contractor was selected for the project however, the process has not yet been finalised and no clear start date to the project has been decided.