Kato secondary school likely to be completed early next year

-total cost may be around $1B

The Kato Secondary School in Region Eight should be completed by the end of January 2015, according to Regional Executive Officer (REO), Ronald Harsawack.

A GINA release said the REO accompanied President Donald Ramotar, Ministers, Priya Manickchand and Juan Edghill on a recent tour of the facility which is currently under construction.

According to Harsawack, on completion, the Kato Secondary school could be considered as the single largest investment in the education sector.

The main structure will cost $780M but the cost of furnishing; lighting, fencing, and security may take the final figure to around $1B.

A section of the Kato Secondary School which is under construction in Region Eight  (GINA photo)
A section of the Kato Secondary School which is under construction in Region Eight (GINA photo)
President Donald Ramotar (left), Education Minister Priya Manickchand (second from left) and others inspecting the building (GINA photo) 
President Donald Ramotar (left), Education Minister Priya Manickchand (second from left) and others inspecting the building (GINA photo)

GINA said that the school will be able to accommodate close to 400 students with a dormitory built to house more than 250 students.

The school will cater for children from communities including, Kato, Kurukubaru, Monkey Mountain.

According to Harsawack, as a result of improved access to education and other investments made, more parents are sending their children to school and putting pressure on the existing infrastructure at Paramakatoi.

“This would be the most modern school upon completion, Information Technology lab, Technical Drawing, Wood Working lab etc…”, the REO said

In addition, there will also be accommodation for teachers if the region is unable to source teachers from within.

The GINA release made no mention of whether officials of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of Region Eight attended. The RDC, which is headed by an opposition-nominated Chairman, has accused Harsawack of sidelining it.