Nearby residents excited over stadium
- have some concerns over construction
Stabroek News
July 27, 2004
Residents of the housing area next door to the Providence stadium site are excited over it but have some concerns over the possible disruption that the large-scale construction would cause.
With Guyana formally approved as a 2007 Cricket World Cup venue, work is expected to accelerate and a visit to the site revealed significant earthworks underway.
One resident who lives on the north-western corner of Greenfield Park, East Bank Demerara told Stabroek News, "at first I did not like the idea, but I'm kind of getting used to the noise. I hope it is not going to affect the way we live because progress brings changes."
She added that her feelings about the stadium also depend on where the stadium would be situated on the allotted area.
The woman's neighbour supported those views but noted the noise and dust are "affecting us right now but when it [the stadium] is built it should be good."
Construction progressing on one of the main culverts for the stadium at Providence, East Bank Demerara.
At the north-eastern corner of Greenfield Park another resident declared, "We're excited about it... especially if they stick to the specifications it should be great." She said further that it should also be a good boost for the economy.
One has to pay a price for progress she said, referring to the noise and dust emanating from the construction site.
She emphasised that the construction was good for Guyana and would give her something to entice her overseas guests whom she constantly invites to come see what Guyana has to offer.
Dennis Moore AA, a past President of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry told this newspaper that he had not seen the plan for the stadium and therefore could not say where exactly on the Guysuco-donated land the stadium would be located.
Moore said he has become accustomed to cane fields bordering the park but he however views the stadium as an advancement which he is hoping would develop the East Bank community. He said the idea could be enhanced by the inclusion of shopping malls in the plans for the overall development of the stadium site.
He was of the view the government should use foresight and vision to place a road to Cummings Lodge or Ogle in order to have a transportation link for people coming to the stadium for cricket and after.
The only negative he suggested would be if the stadium were used for loud raucous hip-hop parties and other loud activities. Moore said, "If that sort of thing comes into being obviously it would have an impact on the quietude people living in the area are accustomed to."
(Christopher Yaw)