The Government of Dominica is spending in excess of $500 to get all schools across the island ready for the new school year.
Twenty-four schools were affected by Tropical Storm Erika in August last year, leaving a mammoth task for the Ministry of Education in clean up and repairs. Students of some of these schools are still temporarily relocated to other schools.
At a press conference on Monday, Hon Minister for Education, Petter Saint Jean, brought the media up to date on the work of his Ministry to get all schools ready for classes in September.
He announced that work has begun on one of the schools worst affected by the storm, the Colihaut Primary School.
“The works include general repairs to the school building, construction of a road leading to the building, paving the front yard, fencing the entire compound, interior and exterior repainting and importantly, the construction of a new toilet block and rehabilitation of the pedestrian bridge.”
Another school severely impacted by the storm is the Coulibistrie Primary School.
The Minister informed that a contract has been issued for the complete refurbishment of the school and construction of a new kitchenette.
He also informed of work that has been done at the Soufriere Primary School.
“The Government of Dominica, between May 30th and June 4th, 2016, installed a new roof at the Soufriere Primary School at a cost of about $15,000. We anticipate that within short time, we will also address the issue of fencing of that school.”
The Delices Primary School is also receiving attention.
“We expect the fencing to be addressed, the reroofing of the entire school complex which comprises five buildings, repainting, metal work and plumbing at a cost of $365,165.25.”
Additionally, over $200,000 is being spent for the complete fencing and construction of a retaining wall at the Newtown Primary School.
The Minister said further that regular maintenance of schools across the island will also commence during the summer vacation in preparation for the new school year.
Hon Saint Jean is confident that all these works will be complete before the new school year begins in September 2016.
[Coulibistrie Primary School]