LIFE Center clients and some of their coaches with Commissioner Rolando Wilson (fifth from right), Bobby Zagers of the Planning Bureau (second from right), Head of the Agricultural Department Randall Johnson (fourth from right) and representatives of the Saba Benevolent Foundation at the new greenhouse.
SABA--The construction of a new greenhouse adjacent to the hospital in The Bottom has been completed. The wheelchair-accessible greenhouse was built for clients of the LIFE Center, a programme for senior citizens.
Clients of the LIFE Center programme joined Commissioner of Healthcare and Agriculture Rolando Wilson, head of the Planning Bureau Bobby Zagers, Planning Bureau project manager Evita Pronk, head of the Agricultural Department Randall Johnson and representatives of the Saba LIFE Center in a visit to the location last week.
Construction of the 22-foot by 12-foot greenhouse by Donisa Construction started late February and was completed late March. The structure is made of wood and has netting on the sides so wind can pass through it. The greenhouse has shelves for the plants at wheelchair height. There is a wheelchair ramp put in place by Work Monster, the company that also poured the foundation of the greenhouse.
Commissioner Wilson said he was content that the project had been completed so swiftly. He thanked the contractors. He pointed out that there are multiple benefits to this project. “Not only will this help keep the clients of LIFE Center healthy, strong and active, but it will also give them the opportunity to grow their own plants and vegetables – do something that they like,” he said.
The LIFE Center is a programme of the Benevolent Foundation Saba, the foundation that runs the care home located next to the medical centre. The construction of the greenhouse is the first part of a more comprehensive outdoor recreation area that the Benevolent Foundation wants to establish for the clients of the home and the LIFE Center. The greenhouse will be further fitted by the Benevolent Foundation, and officially opened at a later date.
Some of the materials to grow plants have already been ordered, while donations of additional material are most welcome. This comprehensive project has several advantages for the clients: it promotes healthy eating, offers recreational activities in the fresh air, and being engaged in outside activities together reduces loneliness.
The US $21,000 greenhouse project is financed by the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate EZK, the Public Entity Saba and the Benevolent Foundation. A similar greenhouse has also been constructed at the Sacred Heart School so children can learn about growing their own vegetables.
