KINGSTON, Jamaica – The International Cricket Council (ICC) Inspectors have given the ‘thumbs up’ for the progress made in the construction of the North Stand at the historic Sabina Park.
This is a far cry from the concern expressed on their last visit in May, when construction was not going according to schedule.
Speaking to the media while on a tour of the facility with the Inspectors Wednesday, September 13, Chris Smith, Venue Development Manager, said the inspectors were “pretty happy” with how the construction has progressed.
“The ICC was here in May and they were very nervous and we did report that to the country. They are now pleased with the progress that Ashtrom Building Systems has made since,” he informed.
Chris Smith (left), Venue Development Director for the Jamaica Local Organizing Committee (LOC) examines overlay plans with Christopher Tetley (center), ICC Cricket World Cup (CWC) 2007 Host Liaison Officer and ICC Pitch and Field Inspector, Eugene Van Vuuren during a tour of the North Stand at Sabina Park on September 13.
In fact, he reported that the inspectors were very comfortable about the contractors meeting the schedule for the November 30 deadline. Currently, the reinforced concrete shell structure of the North Stand is up to the final level(Level 4). “I can see the light now,” he sighed.
The Venue Development Director also sought to clarify that there were likely to be “a few punch out items that may roll over into the first week into December or so”. This, he added, was normal when undertaking such ventures.
Commenting further on the construction, he said while this was on schedule, the intermittent rainfall sometimes affected the pace of the work.
“You may be on schedule today and then may lose a day due to rain. So if we are ahead by a week, then perhaps that will compensate for a day or two of losing time to rain,” he said.
In the meantime, Mr. Smith reported that the contractors would be commencing the installation of the roof structure, next week. This, he said, was ahead of schedule.
“The two containers [on the compound] are the first shipment [of materials] that arrived on September 9 and a second shipment arrives this week and another next week. We are feeling very proud and very good about that,” he said.
Sabina Park will be hosting six first round group stage matches in the ICC Cricket World Cup (CWC) 2007, beginning March 13. The park will also be the venue for a semi-final match in April.
