By Bahamas

Information Service

SANDY POINT, Abaco – Education, Science and Technology Minister Alfred Sears said recently that the Government has spent a total of $6 million over the past four years repairing schools on Abaco.

Minister Sears made the disclosure at a contract signing for renovations and upgrades at the James A. Pinder Primary School at Sandy Point, Abaco.

Minister Sears and Works and Utilities Minister Bradley Roberts signed the agreement on behalf of the government and Elijah Mills signed for Elijah Mills Construction Company, the contractor.

Minister Sears and Minister Roberts also toured the majority of facilities that are to undergo repairs.

"It is imperative that all students throughout The Bahamas are afforded quality education and an environment that is conducive for learning. The output and performances of students and teachers in the Abaco district was among the best in the entire country," Minister Sears said.

He said the James A. Pinder Primary School will undergo renovations and upgrades over a 20-week period at a cost of $857,550.45 by Elijah Mills Construction Com-pany.

The agreement allows for the construction of two classroom blocks, an administrative block, student restrooms, tuck shop, covered walkways, boundary walls as well as display boards and a cafeteria.

Minister Sears also noted that repairs will also be made to the Hope Town Primary School by contractor Bill Swain at a cost of $288,075.80.

Two wooden classroom buildings, a principal's office and staff lounge are expected to be completed for September.

The Minister said repairs were made in March by contractor Lynden Archer to the Teacher's Cottage at a cost of

$128,309.71

Minister Sears added that post-hurricane electrical and construction repairs were completed in 2004-2005 at a cost of $692.017.17 at the Abaco Central High School, which has an enrolment of 490 students.

The work also included the construction of a chain-link fence and an administrative block. Minister Sears said post-hurricane repairs were made to the Crossing Rock Primary School and teacher's cottage at a cost of $65,098.37 in March, 2005. The repairs were carried out by L.V. Moss Construction Company.

Minister Sears said that L.V. Moss Construction is currently constructing restrooms, tuck shops and vendor's booth at a cost of $165,000.00 and is expected to be completed by September.

The Sherlin Bootle High School, with an enrolment of 380 students, was also renovated in 2004 and 2005 at a cost of $850,299 to repair damage caused by hurricane.

Additionally, he said, repairs to bathroom, tuckshop, septic tank and other general work at Sherlin Bootle High is expected to be completed in September at a cost of $40,520.50.