THE new dormitory being constructed for hinterland scholars at Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown will be ready for occupation in time for the September start of the next school.
It will house approximately 120 students who were awarded scholarships to attend secondary schools in Georgetown, Permanent Secretary (PS) in the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, Mr. Colin Croal said Wednesday.
He said the project was scheduled for completion this month but the contractor faced cash flow constraints and was unable to meet the deadline.
Croal said, although approval was granted for an extension of time, the contractor was still not able to comply and the liquidated damages clause in the contract was applied.
The PS is confident the facility will be handed over to the Ministry, as anticipated, because the building is 95 per cent complete, with only electrical installation to be done.
The 13,260 square feet edifice was built at a cost of $95M and is also to house students who were successful at the 2010 National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) examinations.
It will have a library, auditorium, laundry, kitchen and living quarters for a house parent, three cooks, a nurse and administration staff, as well.
Croal said hinterland students who gained more than 479 marks at NGSA will qualify for the scholarship programme and shortlisting has already begun.
He said, apart from the expenditure for its erection, some $12M was already spent on furniture, electrical appliances and kitchen utensils, among other basic necessities.
The hinterland scholarship programme is managed by the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs and a presidential grant financed the building of the dormitory. (NATHALENE DeFREITAS)