THE Ministry of Education (MoE) on Monday afternoon inked two contracts for the construction of two new secondary schools at Good Hope, East Coast Demerara and the West Bank Demerara at the MoE Lot 26 Brickdam boardroom.

The contracts were signed by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary Adele Clarke and awarded to Roy Basso and Sons for the Westminster Secondary School and Brian Tiwarie of B.K International for the Good Hope Secondary. They are valued at US$4.5M and US$4.82M respectively.

During the ceremony, Minister of Education, Nicolette Henry said the construction is part of the Ministry’s move towards modern educational institutions.

Minister Henry urged both contractors to ensure that the schools are built within the standards and expectations of the MoE so that the new facilities can serve the nation’s children and Guyana.

Meanwhile, Permanent Secretary of MoE, Adele Clarke said these buildings will have classrooms that can house 800 to 1000 students outfitted with a multi-purpose hall, administrative building, home economic area, laboratories, library, computer labs, and audio visual room to accommodate the allied arts, visual arts and dance classes.

The construction of the two schools falls under the Secondary Education Improvement Project (SEIP) and is being funded by both the World Bank and the Government of Guyana. One of the objectives of the SEIP is to increase enrolment in secondary schools in targeted regions.

According to Project Coordinator, Jimmy Bhojedat, the schools will be modern facilities built in accordance with best practices and international standards. He related that the schools are expected to be finished within 15 months.

The Westminster Secondary School will be constructed by Roy Basso and Sons Company at a cost of US$4,795,595.67 and the Good Hope Secondary School contracted was awarded to Brian Tiwari of (BK) International US$4,082,506.80.