National Assembly Building to Receive $1.5 Million Upgrade Courtesy Taiwan

October ninth marked the fifty-third anniversary of the inauguration of the National Assembly Building. The building has seen many people pass through its doors, from past parliamentarians, to the late Queen Elizabeth the Second, and Prince Phillip. More recently, the President of Taiwan, Tsai ing-Wen also visited the building. Now, Taiwan has graciously offered to fund the cost of retrofitting and upgrading the building, to be carried out by the Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Housing. The formal handing over of the check will take place during a ceremony slated for November seventh, at which time the details of the work, implementation and timeline will be shared. Today, News Five spoke with Project Engineer at the Ministry of Infrastructure Development, Colin Escalante, about the scope of the work after Speaker of the House, Valerie Woods shared the news of the upgrade at Friday’s House Sitting.

Valerie Woods

Valerie Woods, Speaker of the House

“I am pleased to announce that we received the news that the grant request has been approved for $1,584,250, Belize dollars. This would be the first major renovation and for which I’m sure members, the visiting public, the media, and invited guests will attest is much needed.”

Colin Escalante

Colin Escalante, Project Engineer, Ministry of Infrastructure Development

“We’re focusing on the architectural component and then the civil and site works component. So, the architectural component will pretty much focus on improving the functionality of the National Assembly building that includes all 3 floors, the ground floor, 1st floor and the 2nd floor. That would include rearranging office spaces, upgrading electrical and plumbing items, upgrading of windows and doors. We also will focus on upgrading the interior wall and floor finishes. We would like to focus on installing an elevator lift system, which would provide access to persons with disabilities, looking at installing security systems. Upgrading of the air conditioning system, and also looking at installing fire suppression systems. So that focuses on the architectural component of the project. When it comes to the civil and site works component, we are looking to construct parking spaces and access ways as well as undertaking site drainage works.”