Minister Manickchand Inspects North West Secondary in Region 1

Minister of Education Priya Manickchand Inspects Progress at North West Secondary School in Region 1

The Honourable Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand, recently inspected the North West Secondary School in Region 1, which is currently 85% complete. This $346 million reconstruction project, handled by Aruca Investments and guided by Innovative Engineering Services, was awarded following a competitive bidding process as outlined in the Public Procurement Act and represents a significant investment in local education.

During her visit, Minister Manickchand observed various ongoing works, including electrical installation, terrazzo polishing, furniture assembling, plumbing, and painting. She emphasized the importance of high-quality workmanship and timely completion, noting that the quality of work executed on the project will greatly impact the lives of students.

Critical tasks such as the installation of an elevator and gas pipes for the science laboratories remain. A Chinese company has been contracted for the elevator installation, with fittings already on site. All 40 skilled and semi-skilled workers on the project are from Mabaruma, underscoring the initiative's commitment to local employment.

Projected to be completed by the second week of July, the reconstructed North West Secondary School will feature a two-story building with 23 classrooms, three science labs, Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) labs, a sanitary block, and an accessible lift. This modern facility aims to provide students with a conducive learning environment and support the Ministry’s goal of achieving Universal Secondary Education (USE).

The inspection tour also included discussions with the construction team and local leaders about the final preparations needed to ensure the school's readiness for the upcoming academic year. The Minister assured the community that the Ministry of Education is committed to seeing the project through to its successful completion and opening.

The school, initially destroyed by fire in September 2021, has been eagerly anticipated by the community. The rebuilt North West Secondary School is expected to accommodate over 600 students, offering a robust educational infrastructure to support their academic and personal growth.

The North West Secondary School is one of five schools being constructed in Region 1. The others are Hosororo, Kwebanna, Matthew’s Ridge, and Waramuri.