Shift system in force at Supply Primary to facilitate repairs
Guyana Chronicle
February 2, 2004
The Supply Primary School on the East Bank Demerara (E.B.D) is presently operating on a shift system to facilitate repairs on the lower flat of the building, which is in a deplorable state.
According to the Regional Executive Officer of Region 4 (Demerara/Mahaica) Mohamed Deen the delay in effecting repairs to the school was caused because the matter was not reported to the Regional Democratic Council (RDC), however, he gave the assurance that the repairs to the building would be completed by the end of this week, bring an end to the present shift system.
He explained that the ceiling, floor and the eastern wall of the building are being rehabilitated.
Members of the community were very vociferous in condemning the deplorable condition of the building during last week.
Deen also said that the building is being extended because it was originally built to house 160 children but presently it has over 300 on roll, thus there is a serious problem of overcrowding.
The extension which would cost an estimated $7.5M and is scheduled to be completed in time for the beginning of the new school year in September.
Meanwhile, completion of emergency works under the Secondary Schools Reform Project (SSRP) at the Friendship Secondary School also on the E.B.D has been delayed because of unforeseen works that have to be done.
Architectural Manager of the SSRP, Devon Munroe told the Chronicle that because of the unforeseen works the contractor requested variation of the original contract which was approved by the World Bank since last November but delays along the local bureaucracy held up the additional works.
Munroe also noted that community participation is minimal which has resulted in a breakdown in communication as officials of the SSRP keep monthly meetings to present to all stakeholders monthly progress reports.
However, he assured that every effort is being made to hasten the pace of repairs.
The original contract sum for the repairs was $45.7M. (Chamanlall Naipaul)