Restoration of City Hall draws closer
—subcommittee established to speed up process
—over $1B to be expended on the project
— persons can make contributions
DPI, Guyana, Wednesday, August 21, 2019
His Worship the Mayor of Georgetown, Pandit Ubraj Narine has said that a subcommittee was established to speed up the reconstruction process of City Hall – one of Georgetown’s historic buildings – to its former glory.
Mayor Narine was at the time being interviewed on the National Communications Network’s ‘INSIGHT’ programme on Voice of Guyana (VOG).
His Worship the Mayor of Georgetown, Pandit Ubraj Narine on the National Communications Network’s ‘INSIGHT’ programme on Voice of Guyana (VOG).
“The committee was formed and involves representatives from the Mayor and City Council, the Tourism Authority, Chambers of Commerce, other companies from the private sector. We will meet again on Friday [August 23],” he said.
According to the Mayor, the intention is to establish accounts in various banks across Guyana, where persons who wish, can make contributions toward the project.
The Mayor said Guyanese, both local and overseas, have already shown their interest in the initiative. Apart from establishing accounts, the Mayor noted too, that there will be donation boxes placed in several banks.
Over $1Billion is expected to be exhausted on the project.
Earlier in 2018, the European Union (EU) had partnered with the National Trust of Guyana and hosted a two-day stakeholder’s workshop to commence talks for sustainable and comprehensive plans for the restoration of City Hall.
Stemming from the workshop, a Comprehensive Restoration and Sustainable Conservation Management Plan was presented to Minister of Social Cohesion, Hon. Dr. George Norton, on July 2018.
The assessment was conducted by overseas-based specialist conservation architects, Francis Maude and Ed Morton. Key findings indicated that City Hall can be restored in single or multiple phases, and that income can be generated for commercial purposes such as a gallery or museum. Its use, as the seat of the City Council, should be retained and a maintenance and repair programme must be implemented and adhered.