Rehabilitation works at the St. Stephens Primary School in Charlestown are still in progress.
According to reports, the repair works commenced during the August holiday and affected the re-opening of the school.
The school reopened one week later than planned, as classes began on September 8, instead of the scheduled September 1 opening.
When Stabroek News visited the school on Wednesday, contractors were busy working on the site. Yet it was obvious that much more work has to be done. The fence was in disrepair and the workmen were seen starting foundation work. Meanwhile, the compound was filled with garbage and several pieces of broken furniture were seen in the yard. This newspaper also observed a stairway with one of the hand rails missing. Further examination of the school surroundings revealed that some of the washroom facilities were yet to be completed
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One teacher expressed frustration at the situation but said that they had to do their best to survive in the conditions. She said that they were told the work would be completed within the next three weeks but she doubted that the repairs could be completed by that time.
A senior teacher at the school told Stabroek News that rehabilitation works were progressing at a reasonable pace and expressed faith that everything will be sorted out in time. She told this newspaper that much of the electrical work in the building has not been completed as yet and said the concern about the exposed live wires raised by some persons was addressed. She explained that at first she herself was concerned, but upon enquiry she was told that the wires were not live. When this newspaper visited the school, a member of staff had highlighted some exposed wires to this newspaper.
At the school yesterday, classes were underway although the attendance of the students appeared to be low.
Some of the parents of students are also complaining about the poor state of the school. And according to reports, the Parent- Teacher’s Association will be holding a protest today to voice their concerns.
On Monday, students and teachers of the Stella Maris Primary had to be sent home, after they turned up at school only to find the compound in a deplorable state following repairs during the August break.
