Nothing is happening: DoE promise to fund YASCO bathrooms on hold reveals Cornelius

0
211
2 mano
President of the Antigua and Barbuda Athletics Association, Everton Cornelius
- Advertisement -

By Neto Baptiste

A proposal by the country’s Department of Environment (DoE) to fund the erection of bathroom and changing facilities at the YASCO Sports Complex could be off the cards.

This is according to President of the Antigua and Barbuda Athletics Association Everton Cornelius, who said that on his last inquiry, he was informed that the project has been put on hold with no indication as to if it will commence.

“Nothing is happening there, and I haven’t heard anything about that for quite some time. The last thing that was sent to me is that they have it on hold for whatever reason it is. The bathroom is a very disturbing thing for me, and not for all of the things we banter about and don’t even want to go there, but what is disturbing to me is that we have all these young ladies at YASCO everyday who have to go to the bushes to ease themselves,” he said.

The country’s lone track and field facility received Class 2 certification from World Athletics in July 2021 following the successful laying of a new surface supplied by Mondo.

Athletes, officials and spectators are however still left at a disadvantage due to the absence of basic amenities to include bathroom and changing facilities, covered stands and adequate seating.

Cornelius said the association had erected some facilities which were set back due to thieves, but he believes that the issues plaguing YASCO should be of national concern.

“We had built some bathrooms up there and somebody had stolen the tank off the top of the roof. The bathroom facility at YASCO is something that I think should rest on everyone’s mind when it comes to sports within the school system itself, because the majority of the people at that track are of school age. I don’t even want to address environment, the ministry, the government, whomever it is, they need to take a serious look at YASCO where the toilet facilities are concerned,” the president said.

Cornelius, in March of last year, hinted that work was set to recommence on the existing structure originally allocated to house bathrooms. Some $90,000 had been allotted for the completion of the controversial structure located on the western end of the grounds.

The unfinished structure, on which in excess of $400,000 had already been spent prior to 2014, has remained untouched since then.

- Advertisement -

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

two + 11 =