A $70 million loan from the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF) will finance critical repairs at seven schools across Trinidad and Tobago.
Speaking during the Standing Finance Committee on Tuesday evening, Education Minister Dr Michael Dowlath said the final list of schools is still being determined.
“This list has not been presently finalised.”
The Minister outlined the criteria for selecting the schools.
“Priority is given to schools that are decanted or at risk due to structural deficiencies and deteriorating infrastructure.”
Additionally, $15.9 million has been allocated in the current fiscal year to settle outstanding payments for school repair works undertaken in previous years.
“These funds are to cover previous years’ commitments.”
Dr Dowlath also explained that invoices submitted for improvement, refurbishment and extension works at Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) centres during the last fiscal year resulted in expenditure of $1.071 million from the $4 million allocation.
He further confirmed that work at Curepe Presbyterian Primary School will be completed during the current fiscal year, explaining the delay despite the $2.5 million allocation in the previous fiscal period.
“The Curepe Presbyterian will be completed during this fiscal year. My information is that the Presbyterian School Board changed the scope that was required to be completed.”
The Minister assured that the revised scope of work has been finalised and the project will proceed during the current fiscal period.