Massive works underway to make Ocean View habitable for COVID-19 patients
Items to be trashed to make room for new ones
The Government of Guyana through its National Coronavirus taskforce has been working around the clock to bring the Ocean View International Hotel to habitable standards within the shortest possible time in an effort to address the accommodation needs of the country’s coronavirus patients. Based on a walk-through of the facility yesterday Monday, it was evident to this publication the works being undertaken through the Ministry of Public Health are tremendous.
The once-thriving Ocean View International Hotel which will now house COVID-19 Patients
Removal of broken and stained tiles, windows, bathtubs, doors, carpets, beds, and mattresses are just some of the works taking place within and outside the walls of the Lilendiaal Facility. Works in the compound, fence and electrical in nature are also taking place. The Ocean View International Hotel closed it’s doors a while now, resulting in the facility becoming totally rundown.
The facility should be ready within six weeks’ time. This is according to Jason Bacchus, Consultant Engineer at the Ministry of Public Health during an interview with BIG Smith News Watch on Monday. According to the engineer, a time frame of four weeks was given to have the works completed but another two weeks were granted to cater for unforeseen circumstances.
The ceiling in a room being replaced
Three contractors are working on the facility to meet the deadline and a multiplicity of areas are being focused on in order to ensure that the simultaneous works would result in the completion of works.
The fence and compound are also major parts of the project while restoring the exterior and interior of the building also form another component of the works being done, the engineer explained. Technical support is being provided by the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, this publication was told.
A worker uproots the tiles from a bedroom
“The assessment phase began on Saturday last and the actual work will commence on Tuesday (today)” Bacchus added.
On Monday, workers were observed removing a number of furniture and appliances which were either rotted or overtaken by wood ants. Bacchus explained that where applicable, some items removed from the facility will be sanitized and reused at various locations identified as quarantine facilities for COVID-19 patients. However, where the items are found to be of no use, those would be discarded.
A bathtub which would need to be cleaned and sanitize for patient use
“What is needed here at Ocean View will be kept back and the extra will be transported to other locations such as the Diamond Diagnostic Centre, Georgetown Public Hospital, etc,” stated Bacchus
Electrical works being effected inside the main building
Recently the Pan American and World Health Organizations projected that by Early May, Guyana will have to deal with approximately twenty thousand coronavirus cases. Given that projection; the Guyana National COVID-19 Taskforce identified the Ocean View Hotel to serve as a COVID-19 center.
The lobby of the hotel
Items removed from one oft he rooms
Chairman of the taskforce, Moses Nagamootoo on Saturday last during a virtual conference indicated that the facility would be able to accommodate 300 patients.
