THE construction of a new Golden Grove Secondary School, East Coast Demerara, is on track and is expected to be completed in another two to three weeks, the Regional Democratic Council of Region Four has said.

This was the assurance given by the Project Engineer of Ivor Allen Contracting Services, Wayne Newton, the RDC said in a release.
Newton disclosed that the final touches to the school, which is being constructed to the tune of $170 million, are being done.
“Right now we are just putting on the little fine, fine touching, but we definitely will be completed by the middle of May, so that the students at the old building can move over,” Newton assured.

Regional Executive Officer (REO) Pauline Lucas in an extensive tour of the facility with the Regional Democratic Council’s (RDC) Engineer Elon Austin, said she is satisfied with the quality of work done.

When completed, the school will house 900 students.
“Currently, the old building has 300-odd students, but with this massive structure that has been constructed, it simply means that they can double their numbers because of the space that is available. The school currently cares for 300-odd, but with this new facility it would be 900, which means that a lot more students can be accommodated,” she indicated.
The new structure will boast a modernised science lab, library, home economics department, home management unit, staff room and multipurpose hall, among other facilities.
He disclosed that the new school will be further boosted with an elevator, which he said would be primarily geared at providing the required assurance for those who may be physically and or differently-abled.
“In the construction of the school, the region thought about building a structure that is friendly to all.  Therefore, instead of having to place undue pressure and difficulties on someone who is physically and or differently-abled, we thought about ensuring that all systems are in place to cater to the various needs,” REO Lucas stressed.
She pointed out that the school will be only the second school in the country that has an elevator, following in the footsteps of Bishop’s High School.
“We opted to build an elevator as we recognise that with advancement in technology, we must be ready to enhance the delivery of education, while catering to the needs of all,” she declared.

The REO disclosed that the school is one that can last for a very long time but like anything, if it is not taken care of properly and preserved, it would certainly be destroyed.
“What is important is for each student to know that they have a very good building and keeping it nice requires great responsibility. As such, ensuring that the school is properly maintained would be a shared responsibility by all,” she declared.
Meanwhile, contractor Ivor Allen expressed happiness over the REO’s comments, stressing that his company always endeavours to provide the highest quality.
“We have been in the construction business for years and it is always our intention to ensure that the best quality is given to our clients. As such, the construction of Golden Grove Secondary School is no different and we are happy that the regional officials who have been examining and touring the site during the construction have all expressed satisfaction with the quality and level of work being done,” Allen said.