Contracts signed for rehabilitation of Mount Moriah Primary, Pisgah Primary and Infant

Two contracts valued at approximately $380 million have been signed for expansion and rehabilitation works at Mount Moriah Primary School in St Ann and Pisgah Primary and Infant school in St Elizabeth.

The projects are being carried out by the Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF) under the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) Basic Needs Trust Fund, with counterpart financing by the Government of Jamaica.

At Mount Moriah Primary, the works include construction of a 10-classroom block, a principal's office with bathroom, a new administrative area with bathroom, staffroom, kitchenette, guidance counsellor's office, sickbay with bathroom, retaining wall to increase school security and construction of a multipurpose court and parking lot.

Rehabilitation work will also take place on the existing sanitation, block and the school will be treated for termites.

The project at Pisgah Primary and Infant will include rehabilitation of four primary and two infant classrooms; renovation of the principal's office with bathroom; construction of staff area with bathroom, sickbay with bathroom, play area, sanitation block and guidance counsellors office.

Additionally, fencing will be placed around the premises for better security, the school will benefit from termite treatment, and steps will be taken to address the sewerage treatment system.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education and Youth, Dr Kasan Troupe, in her remarks at the signing ceremony held at the Ministry in Kingston today, said the rehabilitation of the school is an investment in the future of Jamaica's children.

“Today represents a symbol of hope, a symbol of transformation, a difference that we will make in the lives of these children and that will have a ripple effect on their own families. That's what education is; it's that weapon that will break the cycle of poverty,” she noted.

“Once we improve the infrastructure of our schools, we improve the life chances of our young people and what they can do with their talents.”

General Manager for Finance, Standards and Procurement, Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF), Orville Hill, said that by rehabilitating the schools “we are investing in our future leaders, doctors, engineers and innovators”.

“This project is more than just bricks and mortar; it is about creating an environment where students can thrive. Modern classrooms, updated facilities, and enhanced resources will provide our children with the opportunities they deserve. It will motivate our teachers, who are the backbone of our education system,” he pointed out.

Hill said that both institutions have served their surrounding communities for many years and need improvement.

“For both schools, teachers and students have had to contend with facilities that have deteriorated, and resources have been stretched thin,” he noted.

Member of Parliament for St Ann South Western, Zavia Mayne, welcomed the projects and lauded the partners for providing funding for the undertakings.

“This project is highly welcomed, highly favoured.  It means a whole lot to us because now we know, going forward, our children are going to be learning with greater comfort; no longer will our classrooms be as packed as they were before… . We look forward to the execution of the project,” he said.

Principal, Pisgah Primary and Infant School, Patricia Scarlett Forrester, expressed gratitude on behalf of both institutions for the works that will be done to improve teaching and learning.

Build-Rite Construction is the contractor for the Mount Moriah Primary School project, while SM Quality Construction Limited will undertake the works as Pisgah Primary and Infant.

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