The solar energy project at the National Sports Centre has been further delayed owing to material and supply delivery challenges.

Addressing the media yesterday at a press conference, Owen Darrell, the Minister of Youth, Culture and Sport, highlighted some of the latest setbacks encountered with the project.

“While we recognise what we have achieved with the NSC, we also acknowledge the ongoing challenges we face and the ongoing efforts to address the NSC Solar Energy Project issues,” he said.

“We have encountered project delays because of material and supply delivery challenges, and these have definitely impacted the project.

“While I highlight these supply chain issues and the challenges this presents, I would also like to stress that we are addressing these issues as a focused priority.”

The minister said the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Sport has secured further assistance from the Ministry of Public Works to help assess how to expedite some of the outstanding construction works.

He revealed in March that the solar energy project at the National Sports Centre is running behind schedule due to the ongoing effects of the pandemic, but assured the public yesterday that any delays will not hinder athletes and members of the community from use of the facilities.

“In fact, as we have seen, the National Sports Centre hosted the very successful USATF Bermuda Grand Prix,” he said. “Just a few days ago the Bermuda women’s national hockey team hosted the touring team from University of California, Berkeley. We are also gearing up for a busy summer concert season.

”I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge the Board and Staff of the NSC for their continued management and support of the facilities. We look forward to continued enjoyment of this national facility in the in the weeks and months to come.“

The minister also provided an update on all ongoing projects at the Devonshire facility.

“The efficient running of the facility is our primary concern,” he said. “ The National Sports Centre has sought ways to reduce the carbon footprint of the facility and its associated energy costs.

“Within the last few months, the mounting of the solar panels on the erected carport was partially completed, the construction of the inverter room has been completed, and the LED lights at the Hockey Field, Aquatics Centre, and the North Field have been installed.

“Eniscope and related hardware for energy management and monitoring have been installed and are online in order to increase energy efficiencies. This represents another step in transforming and enhancing the NSC and its facilities.

“One of the widely noted developments with the facility was the installation of a new heat pump for the NSC’s pool.”

The minister described the installation of the heat pump as a significant step in the NSC’s efforts to reduce its energy costs.

“We appreciate the employment opportunities derived from this aspect of the NSC project,” he added. “We would also like to acknowledge the efforts of everyoneinvolved with bringing the new heat pump online.”