SET TO OPEN

Michael Joseph (NYLO Intern)

All schools under repair will reopen for the new academic year according to Education Faculties Company Limited (EFCL) Chairman, Ricardo Vasquez.

Vasquez told the media at the Ministry of Education press conference held at the ministry's head office, Port of Spain that repairs undertaken on 144 primary and secondary schools will be completed in time for the new school year.

Vasquez said the schools are being repaired on a "phase system" and repairs undertaken based on importance.

"A school may have sewer and electrical issues and require painting, (however) we would focus on the more critical jobs and defer the painting for a later date," he said.

He said," A lot of payments are still outstanding" but it has not discouraged contractors from carrying out the necessary works. "Contractors would be paid when the necessary funds become available," he said.

When asked what the EFCL does during the school year, he said they work on repairs and other issues when contacted by the ministry. Minister of State in the Ministry of Education, Dr Lovell Francis added that the vacation period is best for repairs as there is no interruption to school activities.

Minister of Education Anthony Garcia said that the EFCL fully cooperates with the ministry and they work well together.

In 2016, all schools under repair were reopened on time, and the same is hoped for this year.