Education Minister Shaik Baksh, Wednesday, checked on the progress of the new Diamond/Grove Primary School and expressed satisfaction with how it’s going. “I’m satisfied with the progress being made in the construction of this school, and I hope that both the consultants and the contractors keep up the momentum,” Baksh said.
The Diamond/Grove Primary School, being built at a cost of $130M, will provide for 1000 children in the adjoining communities.
“This is much needed, and will bring great relief to parents who, at great expense, are sending their children outside of the area for primary education,” Baksh said.
Government has already built the Diamond Secondary School that is benefiting 1000 children. Government is also making provision to construct two nursery schools in the scheme, next year, Baksh said.
The schools cater to the growing child population in the community, he said.
The construction of the Diamond/Grove Primary School is part of Government’s thrust to bring education to every community, Baksh said.
“Government has been investing heavily in the education sector, building new schools and providing the appropriate learning environment for the nation’s children,” he said.
The Education Ministry has also made provision for the residents to record their observations and concerns relating to the construction of the school, Minister Baksh said.
Kares Engineering Inc. contractor, Radesh Rameshwar, said that work on the school is beyond the work programme that the contracting service had submitted to the ministry.
Construction on the school began seven weeks ago and, according to Rameshwar, the building is already 20% complete.
The foundation, columns and floor slabs have already been completed, Rameshwar said, and he assured that the contracting service is facilitating all necessary measures to ensure quality work.
“I want to assure the public that we are going to work very hard to complete this project on time, and within the specifications outlined in the contract,” he said.
Rameshwar also said that the contracting service welcomes the community’s involvement in the project.
“I am happy if the community comes and sees every stage of the work that we are doing, and if there is anything that they need clarification on they can always talk to us,” he said.
Regional Education Officer of Region Four, Baydewan Rambarran, said that the Region is eagerly waiting for the handing over of the school.
“When the building is handed over, we will ensure that all systems are in place for maintenance and upkeep of the building and its compound,” Rambarran promised.
The L-shaped school will house an Information Technology section, a library, a canteen, and a kitchenette, as well as accommodation for the teachers, 24 regular classrooms, along with one large classroom.
The school is expected to be in operation by September, 2012. (GINA)