Structural Engineer to Assess Zeeburg Secondary School

The Ministry of Education is taking preventative measures to ensure the safety of students and teachers at the Zeeburg Secondary School on the West Coast of Demerara, Region Three, following concerns over the condition of one of the school’s wings.

Minister of Education Sonia Parag visited the school on Tuesday to assess the situation firsthand, after concerns were raised about structural issues affecting the eastern wing.

The entire eastern wing has since been evacuated, with affected students temporarily accommodated in other sections of the school under a shift system.

Minister of Education, Sonia Parag, engaging with students of Zeeburg

Secondary School

Minister Parag said the measures are intended to ensure learning continues while safeguarding students and teachers.

“We don’t want our children to be in an unsafe environment. We don’t want our teachers to be in an unsafe environment,” she said.

A structural engineer is expected to visit the school on Thursday to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the eastern wing and other areas where concerns have been identified.

Minister Parag said the assessment will guide the ministry’s decision on the remedial works.

“Preventative measures have to be taken to ensure that they are always in a safe environment, especially in the school system,” she said.

The eastern wing accommodates several classrooms, including spaces used by Grades 7 and 8 students. Approximately five classrooms upstairs and five downstairs have been evacuated as a precaution.

In the interim, students are attending classes under a shift system, with some grades being accommodated in the morning and others in the afternoon.

Minister Parag also commended teachers for working to ensure students remain engaged and continue to cover their curriculum despite the temporary arrangements.

The ministry will determine the next steps once the structural engineer’s comprehensive report is submitted.

 Source: https://dpi.gov.gy/structural-engineer-to-assess-zeeburg-secondary-school-amid-safety-concerns-min-parag/