After lengthy delay. Goal Project up and running again
ANDREW HANCEL, Observer staff reporter
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Work on the first phase of the National Football Academy, currently under construction in Malvern, St Elizabeth, is "on stream" for completion "by the end of August", says Carvel Stewart, chairman of the Goal Project.
"He (contractor, Lovel Smith) initially had to clean up back the place. But he said that he's on stream now and that he will be concreting the foundation on Wednesday (tomorrow)," Stewart said yesterday.
"He assured us that he will do that (complete work by the end of August)," he added.
Phase One of the J$25 million FIFA-financed project was halted in December of last year after Harold Taylor, the FIFA development officer for CONCACAF with responsibility for the Goal Programme, visited Jamaica.
Taylor, in perusing the signed documents between Lovel Smith Construction Ltd and the Jamaica Football Federation, sought to correct some specifics in reviewing the documents.
During this period, FIFA did not disburse any funds to the 17-year-old Mandeville-based construction firm, Lovel Smith Construction Ltd, for the originally projected six-month undertaking that started in September, 2006.
"Mr Taylor came here and made some clarifications. The paper work had to be completed to their satisfaction," said Stewart, an experienced civil/structural engineer. "There was some paper work that we thought we had done as they required. They (FIFA) then sent back to say that they had some new documents."
But the contractor has been paid, Stewart said, after the Taylor-led team was completely satisfied with the new set of official documents.
He said work was restarted two weeks ago and another request for payment will be made shortly.
Construction of the first phase includes the building of an administrative suite, residential blocks, instructional/lecture areas as well as welfare facilities.
As soon as Phase One is completed, the federation will turn its attention to Phase Two of the project, which involve s the establishment of at least four football fields and changing facilities.
"What will have to happen is a process. During this stage when the work is satisfactorily in progress... we can then apply for another Goal Project," Stewart told the Observer, adding that "during this stage we would have finalised whatever arrangements are necessary with the Dickenson Trust and Munro College".
The Dickenson Trust, owners of the plot of land earmarked for the establishment the football fields and changing facilities in Phase Two "has offered to lease" that identified piece of land to the JFF once Phase One is finish.
ANDREW HANCEL, Observer staff reporter
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Work on the first phase of the National Football Academy, currently under construction in Malvern, St Elizabeth, is "on stream" for completion "by the end of August", says Carvel Stewart, chairman of the Goal Project.
"He (contractor, Lovel Smith) initially had to clean up back the place. But he said that he's on stream now and that he will be concreting the foundation on Wednesday (tomorrow)," Stewart said yesterday.
"He assured us that he will do that (complete work by the end of August)," he added.
Phase One of the J$25 million FIFA-financed project was halted in December of last year after Harold Taylor, the FIFA development officer for CONCACAF with responsibility for the Goal Programme, visited Jamaica.
Taylor, in perusing the signed documents between Lovel Smith Construction Ltd and the Jamaica Football Federation, sought to correct some specifics in reviewing the documents.
During this period, FIFA did not disburse any funds to the 17-year-old Mandeville-based construction firm, Lovel Smith Construction Ltd, for the originally projected six-month undertaking that started in September, 2006.
"Mr Taylor came here and made some clarifications. The paper work had to be completed to their satisfaction," said Stewart, an experienced civil/structural engineer. "There was some paper work that we thought we had done as they required. They (FIFA) then sent back to say that they had some new documents."
But the contractor has been paid, Stewart said, after the Taylor-led team was completely satisfied with the new set of official documents.
He said work was restarted two weeks ago and another request for payment will be made shortly.
Construction of the first phase includes the building of an administrative suite, residential blocks, instructional/lecture areas as well as welfare facilities.
As soon as Phase One is completed, the federation will turn its attention to Phase Two of the project, which involve s the establishment of at least four football fields and changing facilities.
"What will have to happen is a process. During this stage when the work is satisfactorily in progress... we can then apply for another Goal Project," Stewart told the Observer, adding that "during this stage we would have finalised whatever arrangements are necessary with the Dickenson Trust and Munro College".
The Dickenson Trust, owners of the plot of land earmarked for the establishment the football fields and changing facilities in Phase Two "has offered to lease" that identified piece of land to the JFF once Phase One is finish.
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