Leaking problems at Merlene Ottey High
Published:Friday | August 20, 2010 | 12:00 AM
Sheena Gayle, Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
A sea of water threatens to collapse on the heads of teachers and students at the Merlene Ottey High School in Hanover whenever it rains, as the institution struggles with leaking classrooms and administrative offices.
As several institutions across western Jamaica work to boost their readiness for the upcoming school year, an administrator at Merlene Ottey High said the school has been forced to put a quick fix in place for the problem that worsens each year.
"The school is now 20 years old and we've had this problem ever since," said the administrator who did not wish to be named.
"We have major leaking in every classroom on the compound and even the administrative block every time it rains throughout the year. We just have to put a Band-Aid on the problem and hope it holds. That aside, we just have to make do with what we have until the problem is hopefully resolved."
The lack of adequate classroom space is also a problem at Merlene Ottey, but the staff remains committed to providing as good a learning environment as they possibly can.
Devon Ruddock, director of the Ministry of Education's Region Four (Trelawny, St James, Hanover and Westmoreland), was optimistic that there will be a smooth start to the 2010-2011 school year.
"Things are fairly reasonable and, based on what I've been informed, there are no serious concerns about building structures," he explained. "We have a few challenges as it relates to school furniture but I do not anticipate that should create a major problem for institutions opening their doors."
New proposal
He further added that there is a new proposal for some schools to repair school furniture for which they receive an incentive. However, Ruddock was not prepared to offer additional information on the initiative.
The executive of the Barracks Road Primary School in St James has credited the strong support from parents in the school's preparation for this academic year.
"The parent-teacher association (PTA) has played a pivotal role in helping to get the school ready for the students come September. The parents tend to offer strong support to ensure that the environment in which their child is being taught is conducive to learning," said principal Alonzo Jones.
Jones said that except for some cosmetic work, the school would be ready in time to greet its students on September 6.
The need for more classroom furniture has not interfered with the staff's determination to get the Cedric Titus High in Trelawny ready for new and returning high-school students.
Principal Elette Fletcher stated that the institution was about 85 per cent complete.
"We are doing general cleaning up of the school grounds. We are really trying to work within our limitations and make the best out of what we have to work with. Nonetheless, we will be ready for September."