Work on the upgrading of the Yallahs Basic School and Resource Centre in St. Thomas, which is being undertaken by the Ministry of Education and Youth at a cost of $42.6 million, should be completed by next month.

The project, which was approved by Cabinet in April 2006, forms part of the Enhancement of Basic Schools Project (EBSP), which is funded by the Government of Jamaica and the Caribbean Development Bank.

Project Manager for EBSP, Keith Samuda, told JIS News that the renovation and expansion work, which is aimed at adding capacity to the centre, was "over 70 per cent complete."

He said that the rehabilitation project, which began last August, is scheduled for completion in March of this year, but "we had some labour issues at the construction site." Those difficulties, he said, "have been overcome and we are looking at completion between now and May."

Mr. Samuda said that students and teachers will be able to move into the improved facility very soon after completion. Classes are now being held at the Yallahs Baptist Church Hall.

Islandwide renovation

Launched in March 2003, the EBSP is aimed at building and renovating 23 basic schools and resource centres across the island. All schools will receive furniture, computers, printers, television and video cassette recorders, as well as outdoor and indoor play equipment, and other instructional materials.