Government plans Simpson Bay Service Center reopening after maintenance review

Government intends to reopen the Simpson Bay Service Center after reorganising the supervision and maintenance of public buildings, Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina said at a Council of Ministers press briefing on Wednesday 14 October.

Mercelina said the review followed shortcomings in the maintenance of buildings managed by Stichting Overheids Gebouwen (SOG), the government buildings foundation. Government is reviewing the organisational structure responsible for the buildings to determine what changes are needed, he said.

Mercelina cited work at Carnival Village, where damaged booths were addressed, roofs were repaired, and painting and other improvements were completed. He said attention would next turn to the Simpson Bay building to find an arrangement that would allow it to reopen.

He also said government faces a shortage of personnel and needs to recruit qualified professionals for civil-service posts. Strengthening the public service is part of the wider effort to develop the country, Mercelina said.