Portland school battling termite infestation
Published:Tuesday | August 23, 2022 | 12:07 AMGareth Davis Sr/Gleaner Writer
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BOUNDBROOK, Portland: With the new school year fast approaching, Boundbrook Primary School in Portland is struggling to pick up the pieces, literally, as heavy termite infestation has resulted in sections of the roof and portions of furniture...
BOUNDBROOK, Portland:
With the new school year fast approaching, Boundbrook Primary School in Portland is struggling to pick up the pieces, literally, as heavy termite infestation has resulted in sections of the roof and portions of furniture crumbling.
Located at the foot of Stony Hill in Port Antonio, the school, which first opened its doors in 1986, is badly in need of additional desks and chairs.
The problem has worsened with the termite infestation, which will cost between $150,000 and $200,000.
Vice-Principal Vern Harris said that the extensive closure, when classes went online for two years as a result of the pandemic, allowed termites to take over the compound.
“The school has been heavily infested by chi-chi,” he said, using a Jamaican word for termites.
The wood-eating insects have caused major damage to classrooms and furniture.
The school is receiving a facelift ahead of the start of the new academic year.
“So far, we are doing some painting, basically, in the meantime. Some classroom doors are being replaced that are damaged, along with partitions inside, as chi-chi nyam dem down,” Harris told The Gleaner.
“We did one [pest] treatment already. The treatment wasn’t effective. We have written a number of letters to the Ministry [of Education] explaining the situation as it relates to our challenges,” the vice-principal said, adding that the ministry has allocated $150,000 to assist with repairs.
The situation remains grim.
“From our perspective, we are trying to manage the situation, but it’s not working. All the classrooms are affected,” he added.
When The Gleaner visited the school, several pieces of damaged furniture were seen dumped at the rear of the institution.
Painting was also under way in classrooms and other walls.
Harris showed our news team an area where prep work is being done to facilitate the construction of additional classrooms, to allow for the elimination of the shift system at the school.
“Yes, we are striving towards that, but our main challenge is to secure funding to build three or more classrooms. The Ministry of Education has done more than its fair share in providing assistance to schools islandwide. But we are, however, hoping that some help will come our way as this is a well-needed project,” Harris said.
Nevertheless, he is expecting a smooth start to the new school year.