IN a significant development for the education landscape of Region Six, East Berbice-Corentyne, Minister of Education Priya Manickchand, officially turned the sod on Saturday to commence the construction of the new Orealla Secondary School.

Located at Orealla, a riverain village along the Berbice River, this project represents a major investment in the local education infrastructure, with a total project value of G$198,866,010, a press release from the ministry said.

The new Orealla Secondary School will feature six modern classrooms, four specialised laboratories, and a well-equipped library, aimed at providing a high-quality learning environment for approximately 180 students.

According to the release, the facility will serve the education needs of students from both Orealla and the nearby Siparuta area, addressing a critical gap in educational resources.

Awarded through a competitive bidding process in accordance with the Public Procurement Act on the World Wide Web, the project has been entrusted to 4S Security & Building Enterprise, under the supervision of CEMCO Incorporated.

The initial mobilisation amount for the project is G$59,659,803.

Construction began on September 2, 2024, with an anticipated completion within six months.

Minister Manickchand highlighted the government’s ongoing commitment to advancing education opportunities and infrastructure across Guyana.

According to the release, she emphasised that the new school is part of a broader initiative to enhance the quality of education and provide students with the necessary resources for academic excellence.

The new Orealla Secondary School is poised to make a substantial impact on the local community, ensuring that students in this riverain village and the surrounding areas benefit from improved education facilities, the release added.