The Education Ministry is bracing for possible electrical overloads in the nation’s schools because of the installation of air-condition units in classrooms.
In a bid to prevent any fires or electrical surges, the ministry has already started doing full electrical overhauls in some schools.
Speaking to reporters after touring 18 schools in south Trinidad yesterday, Education Minister Dr Tim Gopeesingh said over $15 million was spent in August to do electrical upgrades in 15 schools.
“A number of schools have installed air-conditioning systems which is throwing a load on the electrical situation. Pretty soon we may have lots of problems,” Gopeesingh said. Earlier this month, the electrical wiring at the Princes Town Presbyterian Primary school caught fire, causing a one-week disruption and subsequent protest action by parents.
However, Gopeesingh said the Education Facilities Company Ltd and MTS will continue to monitor the school conditions to ensure that teachers and students had a safe and comfortable environment.
Measures taken to stop spread of chikungunya
He also said measures were being taken to prevent the spread of the chikungunya virus.
“We had a campaign started last week to educate and to eradicate in the context of the spread of the Aedes Egypti chikungunya virus and dengue. We want to ensure that all of our schools are safe and clean in their surroundings to prevent the spread of these diseases,” Gopeesingh said.
He said it was important for students to become actively involved in cleaning up their own environment.
Praising MTS for leading the way to cleanliness, Gopeesingh said he has seen a marked improvement in how schools are being maintained.
“We have common problems in infrastructure, the toilet areas, the water system, the troughs in the school, the walls, the flooring, the ceiling, the roofs, all of these have been looked at, but I am very pleased to see what is happening regarding the school infrastructure,” Gopeesingh said.