Rotted GTT pole endangering Mercy Wings school

Staff of the Mercy Wings Vocational School in Sophia are pleading with the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT) to address a leaning telephone pole in front of their building.

According to the school’s Programme Coordinator Paula Bess the pole, which is rotted at the base, has been leaning towards the direction of the school for some time now. However, she noticed that it became particularly worse following the reopening of school in January, after the Christmas break.

Bess further explained that the matter was first brought to the attention of the Guyana Power and Light Company (GPL), however, she was told that nothing could be done at that time, since GTT telephone wires were on the pole.

Arrow pointing to the rotted section of the GTT pole which stands just in front of one of the buildings in the compound of the Mercy Wings Vocational School in Sophia. (Photo by Keno George)

Sometime later, Bess said she was referred to GTT to have the issue rectified, however, after several visits were made by officials from the company, the pole remains in the same condition.

“It’s falling more and more and it is now at a point where it poses significant risks not only to the building but also those who occupy the build if it should fall,” Bess contented.

“There are so many things that can happen if this pole rots completely; we could have a fire, students and staff could be injured but yet no one is coming to fix the pole,” she added.

Commissioned in 2009 by the Sisters of Mercy Guyana, the St Lawrence Multi-Purpose Building of Mercy Wings, boasts a computer lab containing computers donated by EDUCARE, a library, a craft room along with dining and kitchen facilities.

The centre offers technical, vocational and remedial academic education to less fortunate students. The academic subjects include Mathematics, English and Introduction to Computer Science along with Moral Education, General Construction, Care for the Elderly, Catering and Home Management and Child Care Management, all aimed at making the students well-rounded individuals.