Two contracts were signed today for the construction of the Westminster Secondary School, West Bank Demerara and the Good Hope Secondary School on the East Coast of Demerara.
The contract signing ceremony took place in the boardroom of the Ministry of Education’s 26 Brickdam Office. The construction of the two schools falls under the Secondary Education Improvement Project (SEIP) and is being funded by the World Bank.
According to Project Coordinator, Mr. Jimmy Bhojdat, the schools will be modern facilities built in accordance with best practices and international standards. He explained that the schools are expected to be finished within 15 months.
Minister of Education, Hon. Nicolette Henry, congratulated the project team for their work in ensuring the project continues to advance. Addressing the contractors, Minister Henry urged them both to ensure that the schools are built within the standards and expectations of the Ministry of Education so that the new facilities can serve the nation’s children and Guyana. Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Ms. Adele Clarke explained that the new schools will include classrooms, laboratories, outdoor areas and speciality rooms that are required under the secondary education curriculum.
She reported that the contract for the construction of the Westminster Secondary School was awarded to R. Bassoo and Sons Contracting Services at a cost of US$4,795,595.67 while the contract for the construction of the Good Hope Secondary School was awarded to B.K International Inc. at a cost of US$4,082,506.80.
The Westminster Secondary School will be built to accommodate 1000 students and the Good Hope Secondary School will cater to 800 students. One of the objectives of the SEIP is to increase enrolment in secondary schools in targeted regions.
Chief Executive Officer of R. Bassoo and Sons, Mr. Roy Bassoo and Managing Director of B.K. International Inc., Mr. Brian Tiwarie both expressed their happiness for being a part of the project and committed to completing the schools in accordance with the specifications requested and within the timeframe.
