It's 1.3 million dollars put to good use after years without repairs and upgrades. Now some of the soldiers at Price Barracks will have a brand new place to shower and rest their heads upon returning from those draining missions out in the jungle. Jomarie Lanza was there for today's handing over and here's what she learned.
14 years after the project was first developed, The soldiers stationed here at price barracks have finally received a long overdue upgrade to one of their facilities.
Through a project made possible with a loan from CABEI, the Ministry Of Economic Development handed over a fully equipped dormitory. The Minister Of Defense says that it is a proud day for them
Florencio Marin, Minister of National Defense
"We are constructing and refurbishing where we can. The Price Barracks has all installations of the military throughout the country. Right now this is a barrack room for our soldiers it can hold I believe like a platoon size. it has all the basics for our good soldiers accommodation. There are showers a wash hand area an area for their washing machines. And the area where when they come from a patrol outside, they can do a quick wash. Clearly they can sleep and put their stuff safely. So it is very good accommodation. I am very pleased with this project. I feel a sense of pride and us getting it done."
It's a small win for the BDF, though there are other upgrades that are of higher priority. Marin says they will get it done bit by bit.
Florencio Marin, Minister of National Defense
"It's a challenge because there are always priorities. If you remember, we just completed the Sarstoon FOB that was a priority to have but as well, the accommodations for the soldiers' rest is a vital part of any military component. After they come from very hard patrolling they need a place where they can rest up and get their personal stuff done. We also have the new dining hall that is coming into being. We fixed the ablutions earlier in the year. We have done some repairs in the other camps we are working on our warrant officers and Sergeant Majors accommodations as well. One by one we are getting them there. There is a lot of work that has to get done you are totally right, but we have to tackle them one by one."
The next project set to be completed is the dining hall on the base. CEO Martinez says that it was urgent after being declared a health hazard
Dr Osmond Martinez, CEO Economic Development and Investment
"CABEI as you know was a silent partner for many years and so we have woken up that partner and this is the result of our ability to build relationships with development partners such as CABEI."
Reporter
"How much was invested into this project?"
Dr Osmond Martinez
"Into this one here it is 1.3 million BZ and then we have the second building as well that will be completed in just a month from now and the kitchen on the other side which was a health hazard it was declared a health hazard in 2019 by the ministry of health and so that construction is ongoing."
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