City Centre still being utilized despite structural damage
Back in September, events at the City Center were relocated because it was declared unsafe for large crowds. The recent hurricane caused further damage, but when we visited today, we found out that the sporting facility was still being used for high school events. So are the students at risk? That’s what News Five’s Isani Cayetano found out today.
Isani Cayetano, Reporting
The Belize City Centre despite being declared structurally unsafe back in August remains the venue for secondary school sporting activities. The multipurpose complex which also served as the location of choice for many international concerts was decommissioned as a result of continued decay. Crossbeams and other support mechanisms that are buttressing the structure are already buckling under the weight of its flooring. Even though there is an attendance capacity in light of the building’s deterioration sports fanatic Deon Sutherland says they are proceeding as planned with this year’s secondary school games.
Deon Sutherland
Deon Sutherland, Pres., Nat’l Secondary School Sports Association
“If you recall there was a number limit placed on the Civic which our games at the high school level leading up to even the nationals don’t really have that quite number as the thousand persons they’re looking at. [Uhm] during the course of the week depends on the game we’d have maybe like seventy-five to a hundred. When the playoffs comes about and the finals you’re looking at maybe two [to] three hundred so we do not reach the threshold of the numbers that they are asking for.”
Earlier this year the Executive Director of the National Sports Council, Anthony Michael, expressed his concerns to the Ministry of Works and an appraisal for the cost of renovation was said to be in the pipeline. Thus far nothing has been done to refurbish the building.
anthony michael
Anthony Michael, Exec. Dir., Nat’l Sports Council (File August 31st, 2010)
“I had written to the Ministry of Works before and due to their busy schedules and stuff with flooding happening throughout the country and stuff they found the time out also to come down and do a study for us, a very detailed study. I must applaud them for that effort. The report has been completed and was submitted to my office on Thursday which I in turn informed my minister the Honourable John Saldivar immediately of the recommendations set forward in that report. The Ministry of Works in their recommendation indicated to us that they would not like to see any concerts that create dynamic forces. That means significant moving and jumping up to occur until the further strengthening of the Civic Centre could be done.”
The City Centre recently weathered Hurricane Richard but the severe beating it withstood only made matters worse.
Deon Sutherland
“During the hurricane quite a number of the [uhm] fibers from the top fell off which by the time we were ready to play which we started on Tuesday the Civic was entirely cleaned. You know, they had some water marks and spots and so that needed to be upkeeped but again that is, it’s basically raining everyday so every day, but as far as we’re concerned what we have seen over the past couple days and we are there it has been kept up to mark.”
The attendance of high school games at the City Center is based on the teams that are playing and the particular stage of competition being played. According to Sutherland they are looking at past trends to indicate attendance.
Deon Sutherland
“Looking over the years our numbers basically are based over the years that we have had and if it so happens that maybe at the end of this season we realize that there is a greater number than we expected then I believe that the authorities there would then step in and tell us what we need to do. But I don’t foresee it, not at this juncture, taking into consideration the high crime rate and all that we have been very squeezed tight even in getting people to come out and view the games.”
High schools across Belize City are currently competing in the 2010-2011 basketball season with games being held at the City Center. Reporting for News Five, I am Isani Cayetano.
WHAT ARE THEY WAITING FOR ??????????????
JUST FIX IT, RESTORE THE STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY………. then THEN HUMAN INTEGRITY.
Here is another situation where it does not seems like the life of a Belizean is worth too much and the bad part of this is that the adults are putting the lives of children in harm by making stupid decisions to have them in a building that is known to have structural damages. I believe that if it has been determined that this building has structural damages that it should be condemned and no activities should be performed in there that would put the safety of the public at risk.
I wonder who will take the blame for this one if God forbids a disaster should occur in this building remember lives cannot be replaced but the building can.
This dah pure fool!!! I don’t think any event should be held until this structure is fixed completely or some credible maintenance and rehabilitation works has been done to make sure it is safe for anyone to use, especially potentially large crowds and even moreso, our children! There is a lot of reconstruction needed in the city right now due to effects of Hurricane Richard, so fixing or rebuilding the city center would hardly be seen as priority by the affected Belizean people. But it is necessary nonetheless. I ask that Isani checks back with them again in another 3 or 6 months. Keep their feet to the fire. Because what we do not want is that another year from now, that this situation still exist.
We have no question what to call it when our children are murdered on the streets. The building is not structurally sound, “fibers” fell from the ceiling. Would UDP or PUP hold their rallies there? Of course not but we will allow our children to use this facility. Ask ourselves again why too many of our children do not value theirs or anyone’s lives.
BELIZEAN PARENTS, PLEASE DONT ALLOW YOUR CHILDREN TO ATTEND ANY FUNCTIONS AT THIS UNSAFE SITE.
WHO REALLY KNOWS WHAT THE SAFE WEIGHT LIMIT REALLY IS. THINGS FALLING FROM THE CEILING. LETS NOT WAIT UNTIL AN ACCIDENT TO BE VOCAL ABOUT THIS SITUATION.
The biggest problem in Belize is that when a structure is built, people fail to realize that maintenance is what keeps a building running. I think that a body ought to be enacted that deals with maintenance of public building. This body should comprise of an engineer and a staff dedicated to furnish reports on the maintenace of the building. Contracts should be awarded based on the repair findings. Building buildings include all schools, community center and so forth
It is sad to see that Belize is backward in everything.
I agree – Parents should not allow their children into that place. It is a tragedy waiting to happen, and should something collapse or fall apart, there will be people in it and they will get injured or worse. A good point was made earlier – niether the UDP or PUP held their rallys in there – why? because it’s a death trap!!!
I for one will not let my children in there for any reason until the repairs have been completed (Or the place torn down and replaced), a full report has been made public as to it’s “Fit for Role” state, and the City Council & G.O.B. declare themselves fully legally liable in case there are any accidents that may happen after the structural repairs etc. …..
CLOSE IT NOW BEFORE YOU HAVE BLOOD ON YOUR HANDS!!!!
Mr.Sutherland always remember kids n safety first. If they could have move the pagent to Birds i.Why you don’t do same. Have you ever think that the roof can fall on the kids.what will you say to the kids family.think samrt>you have Sjc gym as well.Or used Ladyville Basketball court.Think about the kids life we are loosing 2 much bye gun shot.Don’t let the kids suffer for the love of sport and you know the place is not safe.Family step up and take care of ur kids.I love sport but i don’t endanger anyone life.PEACE