BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - WHAT was proposed as a modern police training facility in Lime Kiln is now a proverbial eye sore for many who traverse the area, but a solution to the problem could be on the horizon.
Under an agreement between the European Union and the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis back in 2014, construction of the EC$12.6M facility had started with the turning of the sod. But the facility now only has the framework - much of which may need to be torn down and the steel structures replaced.
According to media reports at that time, the EU had provided EC$10.8M and EC$1.9M from the Government for the project, which was said to have been the envy of many in the region, as it would have provided much needed space for training, housing officers and facilitating regional workshops.
But what has caused its delay and when can it be completed?
That is the question to which SKNVibes News sought answers from the Minister of National Security, Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew.
According to the PM, the facility was being developed through a special project that had a foreign contractor who had significant oversight of the project.
That individual did not complete the project and the infrastructure was left to the elements. The Government has now started to carry out evaluations of the facility with the aim of completing the project.
Dr. Drew said that following evaluations, the structure, which has steel and concrete, would all have to be removed before restarting the construction process.
No timeframe was given when it comes to work being undertaken or when the project will be completed.
Dr. Drew told SKNVibes News that “we intend to approach it”, but when will be the question, as he confirmed that “it is not the highest priority at this point because we have to deal with energy, water and so forth, but it is definitely on the agenda”.
