Over $628M in development contracts signed in Region Two

-contract awarded for new Abram Zuil Secondary School

The Region Two Administration has signed three contracts valued over $628 million for several infrastructural projects aimed at improving access to Government services and enhancing residents’ quality of life. Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Hon. Nigel Dharamlall on Saturday witnessed the signing during a visit to the Region.

A $585 million contract was awarded to Builders Hardware and General Supplies, for the construction of a new Abram Zuil Secondary School.

Two other contracts were also awarded, to K and K Boat Building and Outboard Mechanic Services for the supply of a water ambulance that will operate between Supenaam and Parika, and GenEquip for the supply and delivery of two four-wheel drive John Deere tractors.

Minister Dharamlall said the construction of the new school is the fulfilment of a pledge the Government made to the Region.

“Since its establishment in 1980, I think the school has seen bits and pieces upgrade, rather than upgrade or construction that would modernise it.

“Abram Zuil has been at the forefront of education in our country. It has produced outstanding students…. So, we have to put investment in education and we have to provide greater services to our students and also to our parents.”

Headmistress of the Abram Zuil Secondary School, Ms. Jennifer Taylor said, “We are very happy to have the project started because it has been a long time on the table and so we are very excited.”

The school has over the years, been producing exceptional students who have succeeded at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate exams. The school even produced top students in the Caribbean in 2012, despite not being equipped with all the necessary amenities.  

“Definitely it will assist in improving the grades because presently the infrastructure is not in a suitable condition and we have been performing, and I think with a new school we will be doing excellently,” the Head Teacher added.  

Mr. Sayyad Ramjohn, Project Engineer attached to E and A Consultants Incorporated said the project has a 16 month timeframe and a 12-month defects liability period.

The two-storeyed, ‘E’ shaped, reinforced concrete structure would be built at the school’s current location, after a complete demolition of the existing building.  The modern structure will cater for a population of 750 students.

It would feature an elevator, a Science Department with Chemistry, Physics and Biology laboratories, a Home Economics Department, including a section for a Food and Nutrition and Sewing Department; a Technical Department, Information Technology Laboratory and a Wood and Metal Workshops.

The school would also boast a modern lighting system with LED Lights, wheelchair ramps, medical facilities, a guard hut, driveway and parking, a sanitary block, and cafeteria with a multi-purpose and canteen area.

The teachers are removing items from the building so that the demolition can start within two weeks. Alternative accommodation would be made for students until the new building is complete.

Mr. Rakesh Samaroo, who was awarded the contract said, “I’m willing to work and I assure you that I will do quality work and timely delivery.”

Meanwhile, Minister Dharamlall urged all the contractors to deliver their projects on time. He also called on them to ensure they follow the necessary protocols on their worksites and properly advertise the projects.

“We would like to see the partners that we do business with, that they also uphold the high values that our Government put in place to manage the country and to ensure that the resources of our country get to the people.

This investment that we are making today, we would like to see the people of Region Two benefit so I want to urge you that you employ as much as possible, persons from this Region and especially where these contracts are being done.”

There are several other developmental projects currently ongoing in the Region. Another contract will also soon be signed for the construction of a new Queenstown Nursery School.

Regional Chairman, Ms. Vilma daSilva and Regional Executive Officer, Mr. Devanand Ramdatt and several stakeholders in the Education, Health and Agriculture Sectors also attended the signing.