Tenders out for reconstruction of gutted Christ Church Secondary School

– following pre-bid meeting; contractors have until April 27 to submit bids

Tenders are out for the reconstruction of Christ Church Secondary School (CCSS), which was gutted in a blaze in January that the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) has since deemed to have been maliciously set.
According to the tender issued by the Ministry of Education, bids from reputable contractors are being sought to re-construct various components of the school in accordance with the National Competitive Bidding (NCB) procedures.
Contractors will be required to reconstruct the school foundation (sub-structure), frame (superstructure), infrastructure and fixtures (electrical and plumbing installation), and installation of air conditioning and fire prevention units, in addition to masonry, finishing works, and furnishing.

It was explained that all bids must be delivered to the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) by April 27, 2023. Once that date has passed, late bids will be rejected. All bids will be opened in the presence of contractor(s), supplier(s), and their representatives.
A pre-bid site meeting had been hosted in the Christ Church Secondary School Compound on April 4, where contractors were able to have any questions answered. According to the Ministry, “If there are any additional queries, bidders are asked to submit a written letter of inquiry to the Procurement Unit before Thursday, April 13, 2023.”
The arson attacks on four schools in Guyana over the span of two years have seen the displacement of some 1954 students in the education sector. The most recent fire at Christ Church Secondary, which occurred on January 12, 2023, affected 503 students, 39 teachers, and nine ancillary staff.
From the July 2022 fire at St George’s High School, 397 students, 33 teachers, and four ancillary staff were severely affected.

Likewise, in June 2021, North Ruimveldt saw the displacement of 444 students, 40 teachers, and five ancillary staff; while 610 students, 38 teachers, and 11 ancillary staff were affected by the North West Secondary fire in September 2021.
The Government has warned that persons found culpable will face harsh penalties for such actions. Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn had strongly condemned “those trying to wreak havoc and create future weakness and uncertainty within the school system and the nation. It should be noted that of the four school fires within the last two years, two were maliciously set by person/persons who have no regard for the future development of the nation’s children.”
The Minister had said that school fires will create a negative ripple effect on the education system and called on all agencies and citizens to be vigilant to ensure the protection and sustainability of the education sector. He had reminded the public that there are harsh penalties attached to arson attacks, and once identified; the perpetrators will face the full brunt of the law.
Exactly one week before the most recent fire at Christ Church Secondary, there had been another fire that was determined to have been of chemical origin. It was reported that the Police were also working on a few leads and presumed suspects with regard to the CCSS fire. At present, students of the school have been accommodated at the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE).