Extensive repair works to the Valerie O. Thomas Community Centre are scheduled to be completed by June 2021. Photo: VINO

Tarris Hill Construction Ltd has been awarded the contract to rehabilitate the Valerie O. Thomas Community Centre in Sea Cows Bay. Photo: VINO

Premier and Minister of Finance Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1) has extended gratitude to the European Union for funding the Valerie O. Thomas Community Centre rehabilitation project that would be implemented by the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO). Photo: VINO/File

The Sea Cows Bay-based Valerie O. Thomas Community Centre that was damaged during the 2017 hurricanes will finally receive extensive repairs. Photo: VINO/File

The West End Community Centre was the first project since the €2 million resilience project was launched in April 2019. Photo: VINO/File

A media release issued on Wednesday, January 27, 2021, indicates that a local company, Tarris Hill Construction Ltd, was selected for the job that is scheduled to be completed by June this year.

In explaining the award of the contract, the media release said, Tarris Hill Construction Ltd was able to demonstrate that they have the necessary skills and expertise to carry out the works that will be needed to meet the regional Smart standards inclusive of Basic Infection Control, and Hygiene and Space Management requirements as established by the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO).

“I am pleased to see that our very own local contractors are given the opportunity to compete for the works associated with this very important project. As we continue these works, I encourage local contractors and building professional to pay close attention to this project so that they can benefit from the capacity building opportunities that are being made available to learn more about resilient structures,” Premier and Minister for Finance Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) stated while extending his gratitude to the European Union for funding the project that would be implemented by the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO).

More about the project

Speaking to the scope of works, PAHO and the World Health Organisation (WHO)’s Representative for the Eastern Caribbean Dr Yitades Gebre, informed that the works include strengthening of the roofs, upgrade to the windows and doors; flooding, energy-efficient light and water fixtures.

There will also be improvements in functionality and ensuring that they are in full compliance with international shelter standards and the Smart standards being promoted by PAHO.

“This Emergency Shelter will also be outfitted with new appliances and VHF radio communications, which are essential items for the operations of these facilities during crisis or emergencies. We have been impressed with the interest shown by the local contractors and the quality of the bids received, and we expect to see the completion of the works by June 2021,” Dr Gebre added.

Notably, the design works for this project was undertaken by PAHO’s technical experts in conjunction with local experts, and it represents the second facility to be funded by the EU and implemented by PAHO.

The West End Community Centre was the first project since the €2 million resilience project was launched in April 2019.

The project includes the rehabilitation of selected emergency shelters, the provision of emergency relief supplies for these facilities, training for the public and private sector in resilient, safe and green (Smart) building strategies and standards, and training in shelter management inclusive of psychosocial care, the media release said.

In the meantime, the Long Trench Community Centre, the Emile E. Dunlop Community Centre on Anegada and the Christiana and Gertrude Warner Community Centre in Purcell Estate, as well as five other Emergency Shelters on Virgin Gorda and Tortola will be outfitted with appliances and communications devices are in line for repairs this year, the release further added.