A programme of preventative maintenance will be considered in order to deal with the extremely high cost of annual repairs needed at schools.
The view was expressed by Minister for Education, Innovation, Gender Relations and Sustainable Development, Dr. Gale Rigobert, at the start of an islandwide tour of schools.
Dr.Rigobert said the ministry is in the process of putting together a comprehensive rehabilitation plan. She added that it will be no cheap undertaking because of the gap between what is required and what the government is able to accomplish.
“I understand that at the last fiscal cycle, when the audit of schools infrastructure was done, the total estimated cost of rehabilitation hovered around EC$13 million, while the amount allocated in the 2016/2017 budget was EC$1 million,” the Education Minister said.
Dr.Rigobert said she has received a detailed report on the state of schools infrastructure, and is particularly concerned about health and safety issues, and the detection of mould and termites.
“It is important that we have a longer term plan, and not just the few weeks preceding the re-opening of school, you rush to nail a few boards and paint a few blackboards. There are more detailed needs that require our attention. There are instances where entire blocks have to be demolished and rebuilt,” Dr.Rigobert said.
The Minister for Education has, in the meantime, thanked principals and teachers as well as parents and students for their patience, and requested their continued support in addressing the infrastructural needs of schools