Heavy investment is being made in the educational sector in Gozo through various infrastructural projects funded by the Gozo Ministry and the Education Ministry in an effort to continue improving and developing the island’s educational facilities and services, Gozo Minister Giovanna Debono said during a site visit to various schools where works are in progress.
Between 1999 and 2007, she said, the government invested around e6.3 million (Lm2.7 million) in the upgrading of the schools’ infrastructure in Gozo together with the allocation of another e7 million (Lm3 million) for the construction of a new boys’ secondary school.
Works are currently being carried out at three primary schools and one secondary school in Gozo, besides the major construction works in hand at the new boys’ secondary school in Victoria, while other works were concluded recently in three other primary schools and one post-secondary school.
Works on the setting up of five new laboratories at the Agius de Soldanis girls’ junior lyceum and secondary school in Victoria, an investment of e60,500 (Lm26,000), are nearing completion. Other works which are currently being carried out at this school include the laying of artificial turf in a section within the main playground, which is carried out in collaboration with the football club SK Victoria Wanderers. A similar project involving the laying of artificial turf is to be carried out at the Mgr Giov. Andrea Vella primary school in Zebbug.
Intensive upgrading works are also being concluded at the Rosa Magro Xewkija primary school, with an investment of around e314,500 (Lm135,000). This school is now equipped with modern classrooms and security facilities, including fire-alarms and a CCTV system, a refurbished hall and stage area with new light and stage facilities, new aluminium apertures closing off the ground and first floors, a new electrical system and sanitary facilities throughout the school, in addition to other completed refurbishment works at the entrance corridor and administration area.
A third school benefiting from the recent laying of artificial turf in its main playground is the Sir Arturo Mercieca primary school in Victoria. Works on the installation of a lift at this school are also in progress to enhance the school’s accessibility and in turn benefit students suffering from mobility difficulties attending this school.
Works have also commenced on the auditorium at the Patri Mattew Sultana primary school in Xaghra where a new audio and light system – an investment of e44,500 (Lm19,120) – is currently being installed. Other general works of plastering and painting are also being carried out.
Other upgrading works that were recently carried out in different schools in Gozo include refurbishment and structural works at the Zebbug and Nadur primary schools. General modernisation works were also carried out at the Ghajnsielem primary school following earlier works carried out by the Foundation for Tomorrow’s Schools.
Nine air-conditioners were also recently installed at the Sir M.A. Refalo Centre for Further Studies, with an application for the installation of a lift at this same school having been recently approved. A call for tenders for the construction of an external ramp that will serve as an alternative school entrance is also being adjudicated.