The opening of the Kato Secondary School whose construction has been the subject of controversy has once again been delayed because major structural defects have been found.
This is according to Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan. Bulkan was last evening in Parliament responding to questions about the budgeted estimates of Region 8: Potaro-Siparuni where Kato is located.
Asked by Opposition MP Nigel Dharamlall to say when the school would be opened, Bulkan told the house that the government is “awaiting the findings of a detailed assessment presently being conducted by the Ministry of Public Infrastructure” to make such a determination.
Minster of Public Infrastructure David Patterson said that the assessment has found severe structural defects in the complex.
He further explained that the concrete laid by the contractor has proven to be sound in only 10% of the tests conducted by an independent consultant while Bulkan said that the flaws went beyond the construction of the complex to its design.
“60% of tests done on the concrete failed while a further 30% were borderline. Only 10% proved sound,” Patterson said. He added that representatives of the Ministry of Education along with the contractor were at Kato right now with the consultant attempting to see what rectifications can be done.
Former PPP/C Minister of Education Priya Manickchand asked if the contractual period for the construction of the complex had expired and whether the government was still to take the necessary steps to recover what the state has lost if independent auditors were to find that contract stipulations were breached.
She stressed her party’s support whatever action, if it becomes necessary, against any defaulting party in the building and construction of the Kato secondary school as they are supportive of any action that will realize the vision for a secondary school in Region 8 which will allow for universal secondary education in that region.
Patterson noted that the contractual period comes to an end in June 2016 and that the government has already commenced taking the necessary steps to address contractual breaches that may have occurred.
He further stressed that the government will continue to ensure that residents of Kato will have a building they will feel safe to occupy.
Of note is the fact that Minister of State Joseph Harmon had said in November of last year that an evaluation of the school had been completed and it was scheduled to be opened in January of this year.
Harmon was at the time announcing cabinet’s approval of over $55M in contracts for the furnishing of the Kato Secondary School in Region Eight, including the student dormitories and the living quarters for teachers.
Kares Engineering had won the contract for the construction of the school with a bid of $691,972,139, although the original estimate had put construction at $500 million.
In April last year, the Government Information Agency had reported that the school was near completion. Former Regional Executive Officer for Region Eight Ronald Harsawack had previously said that the main structure would cost $780 million but the cost of furnishing, lighting, fencing, and security may take the final figure to around $1 billion.
