The Ministry of Education is expected to spend as much as $850 000 to investigate environmental complaints and to improve the conditions at Combermere School.
Minister of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, Ronald Jones made the disclosure as he delivered a Ministerial Statement in the House of Assembly yesterday morning regarding the Waterford, St. Michael-based institution, in which he chronicled the various complaints which started in 2014, and the efforts that have been made to address them.
He told members of the Lower House that following the first closure of the school in 2015 approximately $400 000 was spent on testing, guttering, general repairs, examination and cleaning of septic tanks and various manholes, as well as the overall cleaning of the school. He further indicated, that to address the challenges that emerged last term, Government made provision for a further $450 000 to be allocated.
The Education Minister revealed that some $40 000 was spent on offsite storage and the professional removal of old chemicals; additional toilets for female students to accommodate the large female population at a cost of $40 000; $105 000 for new composite countertops for four of the science labs; and $42 000 for repairs to one prefab for additional teaching space. Moreover, he said, $80 000 was spent on cleaning the school plant, internally and externally, inclusive of mold remediation for specific rooms.
However, he pointed out that, there are still areas on the school plant requiring attention, including the installation of roof guttering to control flooding north of the Science Block. Moreover, he added that the undersized existing grease trap in the kitchen needs to be replaced and they are looking to relocate the extractor fans to improve and rectify the ventilation of the school’s sick bay and the secretary/treasurer’s office. Jones added that various termite infested doors are to be replaced as well as student desktops and the repair of the laminate in the three other science labs are to be done. He also told the House that the almond tree, which continues to threaten the sewerage pipes, is to be removed.
Minister Jones further noted that repairs are also to be done to the second prefab building to add two more classrooms for students. All this, he said, will be done with the remaining funds already made available to the school.
Noting that the situation at Combermere is still being actively monitored, he disclosed that consideration is being given to undertaking additional work during the next financial year. Such work, he said, would include the provision of a large septic tank to serve the female student washrooms, further drainage improvements around the building and an improved configuration and ventilation of the school’s cafeteria. (JRT)