Flooding, overcrowding plagues Anna Regina primary

The issues which are affecting the staff and pupils of the C.V Nunes Primary School in Anna Regina, Region Two, are expected to be addressed soon, as the regional executives have made a commitment to make the matter a priority.

This commitment was made on Monday, when regional officials — including Regional Chairman Davanand Ramdatt, Regional Vice Chairperson Nandranie Coonjah, councillors of the Regional Democratic Council, the Engineer, and the Regional Education Officer — met with the headmistress, teachers, auxiliary staff and members of the parent/ teachers association (PTA) at the educational facility.
Among concerns raised at the meeting was that the school, which currently has a population of over 700 pupils, is one of the most populated in the region. It was also noted that recent rainfall has resulted in the facility being flooded. The flooding issue is being compounded by a poor drainage system due to clogged drainage pipes, the regional authorities were told.

The school also has several missing window panes, which teachers have complained cause rain water to lodge in classrooms; and there are dysfunctional toilets, loose roofing sheets, and several other issues plaguing the institution.
Regional Chairman Davanand Ramdatt has said he was shocked to learn that there are so many issues affecting the school, and he was not informed prior to the meeting. PTA Chairperson Rasheeda Persaud said the PTA had written several letters to the Regional Executive Officer (REO) but no remedy has been forthcoming. However, Regional Education Officer Nicole Matthews said she was not informed of the situation.
The PTA chairperson later announced during the meeting that the Anna Regina Fire Service would be assisting the school by pumping water into the drainage pipes in an effort to flush them. The regional engineer was instructed to fix the toilets and all matters concerning the buildings and compound.