Over four years after the award of a contract to build Bamia Primary School in Region Ten (Upper Demerara-Berbice), the project remains incomplete, prompting dissatisfaction from Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Priya Manickchand.
The contract, valued at $346 million and awarded to St8tment Investment Inc. in November 2021, was intended for a 20-month project with an original completion deadline of July 2023. However, a series of delays have pushed the timeline beyond several extensions, including a promised reopening for the September 2025 school year, which has also not materialized.
In her first days as Minister, Manickchand visited the unfinished construction site in September, expressing frustration with the contractors for the ongoing delays. She threatened to withdraw the project from the contractors if timely completion wasn’t achieved.
During a recent appearance on GoMosley radio, Manickchand provided an update on the status of the school, stating that contractors have assured her that only minor works remain. “Up to yesterday, the ministry was there, and there were some very minor works left to be done. But we refuse to take a building for the sake of taking a building,” she stated, emphasizing the necessity of fulfilling contractual obligations before accepting the facility.
While acknowledging that setbacks and unforeseen circumstances can occur, Manickchand stressed that the extent of the delays with the Bamia School project is unacceptable. “Contractors have to understand that if you bid for a project, you are committing to deliver it at the agreed cost and timeline,” she noted, indicating a reduced tolerance for breaches of contract.
Hopes remain for the completion of the school so that students can benefit from the investment. “They’ve assured me that they too want to get off the site, so I suspect…even before school closes, we can get the children into school,” she said, expressing disappointment over the prolonged timeline.
Once completed, the new Bamia Primary School will serve a growing student population and feature modern facilities, including 4 classrooms, a gymnasium, an auditorium, a science lab, a music room, a library, smart classrooms, and updated restroom facilities.
In April, St8tment Investment Inc. claimed the project was nearing its final stages, with minor electrical installations and plumbing work outstanding. They cited challenges such as labor shortages, increased material costs, and weather-related delays as factors impacting the timeline.
The community continues to await the completion of a facility designed to enhance educational opportunities in the region.
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