Stadium tracks to be replaced

The synthetic running tracks at the country’s premier sporting facility are set to undergo a well-needed facelift, following Cabinet’s approval of a $97.1 million refurbishing contract to German company, BSW Berleburger.
Minister of Information, Telecommunications and Special Projects, Hon. Daryl Vaz made the disclosure during the weekly post-Cabinet press briefing at Jamaica House on Wednesday (December 15).
He said the replacement of the worn-out Mondo tracks at the National Stadium and Stadium East at Independence Park were approved by Cabinet following the recommendation of the National Contracts Commission and the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service.
“The Mondo tracks at the National Stadium and Stadium East are the only synthetic ones available to all athletes across the island and have been used rigourously for training and competition, consequently, the wear and tear on these tracks has been severe,” he told journalists.
“An assessment was done on the tracks, which revealed they weren’t suitable for either training or competition for the 2011 athletic season, which will commence in January,” he added.
Mr. Vaz said the new tracks will be constructed to International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF) standards.