Following completion of works at La Tour Koenig Tower, it is proposed to create an art space in the Tower in a bid to: promote arts; provide recognition and promote the emerging talents; and create awareness of art amongst the public.
The Minister of Arts and Cultural Heritage, Mr Avinash Teeluck, made this statement, this afternoon, following a site visit at the newly renovated La Tour Koenig Tower, in the premises of the Nelson Mandela Centre for African Culture (NMCAC). The Chairperson of the NMCAC Trust Fund, Mr Jean-François Chaumière, and other personalities were also present at the site visit.
Minister Teeluck expressed satisfaction with regards the renovation works carried out at the Tower and recalled that the renovation project spanned over two years, to the tune of Rs 8,699,687.90.
The restoration of the site, he pointed out, was done in two phases and both were funded by the LOTTOFUND. This fund provides for the restoration of all places and buildings listed as National Heritage, he added. The Tower, underlined Minister Teeluck, will also serve as a place to perpetuate arts, and where people may share their interest and acquire more knowledge pertaining to art.
He further indicated that Government recently set up a joint public-private committee to develop strategies related to the restoration of National Heritage sites of the country. This renovation project is also in line with the measures proposed in budget 2021-2022, which provides necessary funds to the National Heritage sector, he concluded.
It is recalled that the first phase of the rehabilitation of the Tower consisted of providing a new roof, repointing of joints inside and outside, a new flooring and provision of new openings. As for the second phase, it consisted of providing a mezzanine floor with an appropriate staircase and a new flooring. The authenticity and integrity of the site has been respected and the work undertaken were in consensus with restoration norms and are reversible. Following completion of works, the La Tour Koenig Tower was handed over on the 31st May 2021.