Davis govt invests $20 million in school repairs

Prime Minister Philip Davis and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education Chester Cooper got a firsthand look at repairs underway at three public schools today, as the government pushes to have all 49 schools in its summer repair programme ready for the new academic year.

Davis and Cooper toured SC McPherson Junior High, H.O. Nash Junior High and Palmdale Primary School, where repair works are said to be more than 90 percent complete.

Davis said he was encouraged by the progress.

“I’m encouraged by what I saw and I’m also delighted to know that works are as far advanced as they are and that all works for school repairs will be completed in time,” Davis said.

The government has allocated $20 million this summer to repair 49 public schools across the country.

The programme includes general maintenance, upgrades and repairs aimed at improving the condition and functionality of public school facilities ahead of the new school year.

The inspections come less than two weeks before thousands of students are expected to return to classrooms.

The government has been under pressure to ensure schools are ready for the start of the academic year, particularly following concerns about the condition of some public school buildings.

With repair works at the three schools visited today reportedly more than 90 percent complete, officials say the programme remains on track.

The initiative forms part of the government’s broader effort to improve public education infrastructure and provide students and teachers with safer and more suitable learning environments.