The project has been in progress for several years and has so far cost $200 million. And government sources expect that it will take at least another $200 million to complete the work.
MPs agreed on Friday that relocation is a good idea since it will allow a swifter completion of the restoration project.
According to Stephen Cadiz, chairman of the parliamentary Joint Select Committee, the most feasible option was to move out entirely.
“The committee felt the time was long past for the unhindered restoration of this important building and recommends the early commencement of works in this regard. There was unanimous agreement that all efforts be taken to ensure that the restoration project is completed within the absolute shortest possible time.
“The committee acknowledged that restoration efforts are fraught with uncertainties and that given the present condition of the Red House there would be tremendous cost associated with this project.
“It is against this background that the committee recommends that all necessary steps should be taken to minimise cost and therefore option two is the option preferred by the committee–relocation of the entire Parliament and staff.
“The Red House is the home of the Trinidad and Tobago Parliament and despite a very turbulent history, this monument listed by the Organisation of American States stands today as a symbol of the persistence and the strength of our democracy, grounded in the heart of a nation.
"It raises serious concerns about the state of the building that has been battered and neglected for far too long,” Cadiz said in the Parliament.
The minister said Cabinet has taken the decision that the Red House would be restored and dedicated to the sole use of the Parliament. Former Prime Minister Patrick Manning had planned to move the Parliament to another building and used the restored Red House as the PM's office.
Cadiz said renovations so far have not been well planned with ad-hoc restoration of the historic building, resulting in the loss of the building’s historical features through the use of unsuitable decor and replacement material.
The minister told local media the "random modification" of the original design has resulted in the inadequate services. In addition the building’s structural and architectural elements have deteriorated.
Public Administration Minister Rudrawatee Nan Ramgoolam, who has responsibility for all state buildings, has said the state of the Red House is a "total shame and embarrassment to this country.”
The plan is to move the Parliament to the Waterfront Complex for the new session of Parliament. Media reports say the legislature will move to some of the floors at Tower D at the International Financial Centre (IFC).
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| The Waterfron Complex and International Financial Cewntre (IFC) in Port of Spain |
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