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by pltm
[gallery]As works continue on the Enis Adams Primary School in Meyer’s Estate, the Project Manager is reporting that works are on track for completion in June.
Following the school’s destruction as a result of Hurricane Irma, students had to be relocated to the Althea Scatliffe Primary School, where they are still housed to date.
During a progress update meeting earlier today, December 10, Mr. Hesketh Newton, the Project Manager and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Newton Construction Company explained that it has been six months since reconstruction began.
“We now have up to where we have the ground floor slabs. We have defined the courtyard area, all of the foundations, including the groundwork for the 10000 gallon cisterns and two large rooms for utilities and storage,” he stated.
The construction of the foundation, it was noted, was the most difficult part of project thus far—especially given the rainfall recently.
(PLTM) - The foundation and ground work will be completed by December 21, before the workers are scheduled to go on a break.
He related that initially, there was an issue with sourcing workers on island and they had to resort with employing persons from off-island.
Meanwhile, the Architect, Mr. Ashton McCall spoke to some of the features of the new building, such as a large play area, a technology lab and a library.
“I don’t know how many schools in the territory have an on-site library,” he said.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Dr. Marcia Potter expressed appreciation to the construction company and the school’s benefactor, businessman Mr. Peter Haycraft.
Back in February, Mr. Haycraft donated some $1 million for reconstruction of the school, and had emphasised the need for the new structure to be able to withstand hurricanes and other natural disasters.
“We are very thankful for all of this happening,” Dr. Potter stated, adding that the Ministry will do everything necessary to ensure the timely progress on the institution.
Principal of the school, Ms. Rhonda Smith, subsequent to a 'coin ceremony' at the construction site, expressed her optimism at having a new building for the new school year.
“I am happy to see the changes and to see the progress made up to date. I’m ready to get started,” she told BVI Platinum News during the site visit.
The new building, she said, will have a capacity to house 260 students. Currently, however, there are not that many students registered with the school.
“We initially registered 64 students, since then there were some changes.”
