UNITED NATIONS, Dec 23: The UN General Assembly on Saturday approved a top-to-bottom renovation of its landmark Manhattan headquarters building that is expected to take seven years to complete at a cost of $1.9 billion.

The UN compound is one of New York’s most popular tourist destinations. The main building is a 39-story aluminium, glass and marble tower that houses the UN secretariat and is considered an outstanding example of modern architecture.

But after 54 years, its roof leaks, it is riddled with asbestos and it lacks fire detectors, a sprinkler system or other emergency safety devices.

Renovation was first envisioned in 2002, and the project was seen at that time as costing about $1 billion.

But the price tag has since soared, due mainly to construction delays, improvements focused on security, and a failed campaign to convince the New York state legislature to approve a new office building to provide temporary space for staff during the work.

Because of the New York lawmakers’ opposition, planners decided they could make do with much less temporary space by stretching out the renovations and doing them just 10 stories at a time.

The project is to be financed by increases in the dues paid by all UN member nations on a sliding scale. —Reuters