Phase 2 of Library Project underway

Phase two of the National Library Project got started this week with the signing of the contract to begin construction of the $12 million building later this month.

The contract was signed on Monday at Cabinet Room between Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves and the construction company Overseas Engineering and Construction Company (OECC) of Taiwan.{{more}}

Speaking at the contract signing, the prime minister said that the construction of the library is just part of a number of projects that made up an EC $31.4 million agreement with the Taiwanese government since 2001.

He said the project began with the construction of the new YWCA building in 2004, followed by the Technical Centre in 2006. The National Archives building which according to Dr. Gonsalves is 99% complete, will be opened next month.

This second phase of the project includes the national library which according to the prime minister will consists 28,000 square feet of floor space, and will include a conference room, computer room, reading area, storage area, adult learning and adult lending areas.

Construction of the library is expected to begin this month, and is scheduled to take 18 months to complete.

Phase three of the project consists of a 750 seat auditorium which will begin construction in November. It will include state of the art lighting and an orchestra pit among other things.

Taiwan’s Ambassador to this country Jack Cheng applauded the work between his country and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and reiterated their commitment to projects in the works including the Rabacca bridge, the cross country road, the Argyle International Airport, and the Taiwan scholarship program.

Minister of Education the Honorable Girlyn Miguel praised the construction of the library, and said that while there are libraries being closed around the world and other institutions competing for the same funding as libraries, the project is a testament to government’s commitment to the development of this country’s national resources.

The construction company OECC has been credited with the building of the players’ pavilion and administrative building at the Arnos Vale Playing Field, and the cross country road and Rabacca bridge.