Lara Stadium cost at $420 M - so far

Documents filed at the Uff Inquiry into the construction sector and UDeCOTT show that the estimated cost of the Brian Lara Stadium and Cricket Academy project in Tarouba is nearing $1-billion.

And it's still not finished and years behind schedule.

The documents submitted by UDeCOTT show that the estimated cost for the project at March 2008 was $885 million, having risen from $510 million. The original figure for the stadium in the prime minister's constituency was $375 million.

Read the story: Cost of Brian Lara Stadium nearing $1 billion

But On Tuesday the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Sports revealed a much lower figure to a Joint Select Committee (JSC) of Parliament.

Margaret Farray said as of December 2008, the cost of the controversial stadium in Tarouba was just under $420 million - $419, 536,998 to be exact.

The meeting was called to examine the administrative reports of the ministry for the periods 2004/2005 and 2005/2006.

The stadium came under review within the last few months during the Uff Commission of Enquiry into UDeCOTT and the construction sector.

Read the story: Contractor got stadium contract without tender

Farray revealed the cost of the project in response to a question from committee member Ortoire/Mayaro MP Winston “Gypsy” Peters. Farray made it clear, however, that it's not a final figure since the ministry is waiting for a final cost report from UDeCOTT to present to the Cabinet.

Farray told the committee the latest information she has is that "the facility is about 80 per cent complete” and that it would be ready in time for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in November.

She said Prime Minister Patrick Manning stated recently that he want a cricket match to be played at the stadium for the historic meeting.The stadium was originally planned for completion in time for the Cricket World Cup in 2007.