Expansion works to the tune of over $11 million are currently underway on the New Amsterdam Amerindian Hostel in Region Six to accommodate the increasing number of Indigenous students from the riverine areas, a release from the Department of Public Information (DPI) stated on Tuesday.
The project is being executed by the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, under the oversight of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) and is expected to be completed by the end of this month.
Regional Executive Officer (REO), Narindra Persaud, told DPI that the construction is intended to improve the hostel’s environment and create a more suitable living space for occupants.
“The contractor is Lakhram Singh Contracting Service. This is being done because we want to make the area more comfortable for the students who reside there to attend school,” the REO explained.
The new section comprises a two-storey building, with the upper flat designed for female students and the lower flat for males. There will also be an ‘open area’ for the students to study.
The release explained that the construction of the new space is part of the government’s efforts to make education more accessible and convenient for students from remote areas, ultimately contributing to their academic success and overall well-being.
In the 2024 national budget, the local government ministry was allocated some $23.4 billion to advance works within its sector. A portion of the money was set aside to maintain health and educational facilities, the release added.
