Garcia: Lara Stadium will be done

“The construction of the Brian Lara Stadium in Tarouba will be completed by December,” Garcia assured when questioned on a tour of the National Academy for the Performing Arts in Port-of- Spain on Tuesday.

Garcia also added the project to complete the stadium in south Trinidad was on schedule and below budget.

Construction which started in 2002, in preparation for the 2007 ICC Cricket World Cup, was halted in 2010 by the previous People’s Partnership administration.

However, Garcia said the stadium will finally see its completion in 2016.

Garcia said he believes it is a worthwhile investment which will benefit both cricket supporters and players.

When questioned on if the project should be completed, Garcia stated that $800 million has already been spent on the stadium, therefore $90 million to make the stadium usable is a good opportunity.

Garcia also dismissed recent claims about the award of the contract to Lifetime Roofing Ltd as “ridiculous and unacceptable.” He further explained the company was awarded the contract to repair the stadium’s roof and other works, which included power washing, under a competitive tender process.

Garcia said he had total confidence in Udecott’s procurement process and dismissed all allegations concerning the matter as well as its budget.