359 Schools To Receive Repairs Ahead Of New Academic Year
Education Minister Dr Michael Dowlath says Government has expanded this year’s Vacation School Repair Programme, with approximately 359 schools receiving infrastructure upgrades ahead of the new academic term.
Speaking during a school tour on Friday, he said Government set a clear target of ensuring every school is ready for reopening, noting that the programme has grown from last year.
« This year we have increased the number of schools that will repair. Last year we did over 270 for the vacation with just over 500 emergency repairs. One thing you will notice about schools is sometimes when during the vacation period issues occur just before the reopening of schools. I’m working together with the MTS, together with the school principals, and so over 300 schools, I think the exact number will be about 359 that we are looking at. »
MTS Chief Executive Officer Nicholas Kanhai said significant progress has already been made and that officials do not expect repair works to prevent any school from reopening on Monday.
« I’m happy that the majority of our projects are ongoing. Over 100 projects are completed, fully completed and we’ve had absolute cooperation from our Principals, Minister and the Ministry of Education, so at this point in time we can safely say that we have no school in our radar that will be inhibited from opening. The works, as Minister also said, will continue after our school hours into the weekends in some cases, but those may be in the minority. »
