GEORGETOWN (Stabroek News):

A Florida-based trailer service is likely to provide some 250 trailers to complement the accommodation facilities for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2007 as plans to beautify the Guyanese capital Georgetown move apace.

According to Local Organising Committee project officer for visitor experience, Nikolaus Oudkerk, an estimated total of some 5,000 fans would be catered for through bed and breakfast, tent village and trailer service accommodation.

A United Kingdom-based firm has estimated that some 37,000 visitors would be in Guyana during the entire 47-day tournament with some 15,000 to 20,000 being on the ground at the peak.

G$5 billion already spent

In an interview last Tuesday, Oudkerk told Stabroek News that some G$5 billion has already been spent in new construction and refurbishment projects for accommodation for the ICC CWC 2007 event. The Guyana Office For Investment has facilitated duty-free concessions for the majority of these projects.

It is expected that the trailers would be stationed in the National Park. Each 14-foot trailer would be equipped with a kitchenette, fire extinguisher, bathroom and toilet. Lighting would be powered either by batteries or electricity.

The Guyana government recently released G$10 million of the G$50 million escrowed into an account for the mayor and City Council to use in beautifying Georgetown for Cricket World Cup next year.

Meanwhile, a facelift for the historic City Hall is also on the cards. The city's appearance would be boosted with central government spending more than G$700 million to finance road repairs and drainage works.

Government had earlier placed G$200 million in an escrow account which could be accessed to enhance various areas, G$50 million of which was allocated for beautification of the city.