Leaking roofs, dysfunctional washroom facilities and the lack of potable water are among the existing issues facing some schools in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice),
These concerns were brought to the fore by Chairman of the Education Committee of Region 10 Denise Belgrave, after visiting some schools in the region.
Belgrave explained that her Committee has been engaged in school visits and has extended the schedule for visits to schools along the Berbice River.
She noted that based on what was observed at Linden schools, there is need for more work, particularly in the sanitary area, so that both teachers and students can be comfortable.
Another area of concern is a broken septic tank at Coomacka Primary School which is also overrun by vegetation. She noted that water from a nearby clinic also flows into the school’s compound.
Addressing these concerns, Regional Chairman Renis Morian said the issue of sanitary blocks is one which has been raised since the beginning of his tenure as Chairman but to date, it has not been addressed effectively.
“Since we take office, we have been talking about sanitary conditions at schools… We have been asking for upgrade in sanitary conditions in schools… I even asked the question if the officers in education visit these schools, because if they do visit, that’s a serious affront to the visits because nothing is changing”, the Regional Chairman asserted.
Meanwhile, Regional Executive Officer (REO) Gavin Clarke has assured that works have been ongoing through the Regional Works Department to remedy the situation.
“From the administration’s perspective, I can say work is ongoing in various schools as is reported to us. There are some that have been worked on and even as I speak work is being done… Once we get the information, we act on it,” he noted.
Clarke said he would have implored head teachers, that if there are issues, they should be made known, adding that the administration would have been working on contracts during the summer vacation and if there are issues regarding sanitary blocks then the onus would be on head teachers to highlight these.
Morian has requested a schedule of the programme for visits to schools in the Region so that Councillors can participate in the school visits. He has also urged head teachers to write to the Department of Education in such instances.
