Infestation of termites and bats at schools in Region Five is a major problem and officials said they have to intensify efforts to tackle the problem effectively.
This was one of the issues raised at the Regional Democratic Council meeting held at the region’s boardroom last Thursday. Head of the education committee, Bindrabhan Bisnauth ob-served that millions of dollars are spent on rehabilitation of the schools but the buildings are being destroyed by bats and ‘wood ants’.
He told Stabroek News that a pest control company, PESTEX, was contracted to get rid of the termites but they need to step up the work to bring an end to the problem. Bisnauth said a vigorous exercise would begin during the school holidays.
He has already spoken to representatives from the works department and they have promised to co-operate fully.
Complaints were made to the region by teachers and after visiting the schools regional officials saw the extent of the problem.
Bisnauth pointed out that the Number 10, Mahaica Primary School was completely rehabilitated but the building is heavily infested with termites which also destroyed the trestle for the overhead tank. Rosignol Primary which was recently renovated is also affected.
The region also has to come up with a mechanism to deal with the bat problem that is also prevalent in other public buildings. Bisnauth said it has already been included in this year’s budget to do “bat clearing” and seal all the buildings.
Meanwhile, just after the August term last year, Lachmansingh Primary School had to be closed for a week after teachers and students complained that droppings from the bats were falling on them and causing allergic reactions.
A contractor was hired to get rid of the mess and bat-proof the school.
