$450m in budget for South UWI law campus

Government plans to allocate $450 million in the Budget come Monday for construction of the University of the West Indies law campus in Debe. This was revealed yesterday by Tertiary Education Minister Fazal Karim as construction began on lands of the former sugar estates of Caroni (1975) Limited. The campus will be built on 142 acres at a cost of $500 million. Karim said $50 million has already been allocated under the Public Sector Investment Programme for the start of construction.

Karim noted that the initial project Phase A includes the construction of a central library, classroom buildings for 450 full time students, academic buildings for other UWI programmes such as ROYTEC, residence halls for 100 students, a student union building, recreational facilities such as playgrounds and hard courts as well as a central plant and support facility inclusive of pedestrian walkway and parking.

The minister revealed further that on August 02 China Jiangsu International Economic-Technical Cooperation Corp had signed a contract with UWI to build a highway on 2 August. However, despite this, Karim assured that local contractors and consultants will be utilised.

“CJIETCC has teamed up with leading local design consultants and will utilise a wide range of local subcontractors and suppliers for site security, site clearing and earthworks, piling, termite treatment, concrete works, re-bar, steel installation, water proofing, precast concrete panels, block works and elevators,” Karim said. He expressed hope that the campus will be completed within 18 months and before the 2015 General Elections are due.

Meanwhile, Housing Minister Dr Roodal Moonilal announced that a new housing estate called Fidelis Heights will be built close to the campus. Moonilal said the estate will comprise four ten-storey buildings. He called on the contractors to complete the project on time and within budget. Attorney General Anand Ramlogan said T&T must move towards development of its human resources. He said the campus will act as a stimulus for the domestic economy in south and central Trinidad.