THE official residence of the Prime Minister will be relocated from Vavaya Ridge and built on the hill-top next to the Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) office overlooking Lawson Tama stadium.
A statement from Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) explained that this new PM residence development was based on Government’s Policy initiated in 2016.
“All preparatory works (geotechnical investigation etc.) including design & architectural drawings, construction tender documentation & procurement of construction work are expected to be completed in 2018 in order for the physical works to start in 2019,” the statement said.
The statement provided an update on the progress:
1. Boundary surveys have been completed
2. Site geotechnical investigation tender had gone out and awaiting award for work to be carried out,
3. The tender for Architectural Design has gone out in 2017 and recommendation for the designer is now at CTB for the award.
4. Programme schedule for its construction and completion will come after the geotechnical investigation & Architectural Design are completed.
5. A public tender will be put out for the construction work sometimes this year.
Currently, PM Houenipwela and Madam Rachel are temporarily accommodated at Heritage Park Hotel Apartment after they moved out from their private residence at Lunga.
The Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (OPMC) said the temporary arrangement is necessary to allow required renovations to their private residence to meet security and protocol requirements.
“The government currently does not have an Official Residence for the Prime Minister following the demolition of the former Red House which was the Official Residence of the Prime Minister,” OPMC said.
This has also caused inconveniences to Government and PM, it was highlighted.
By TEDDY KAFO
