Public Works and Transport Minister the Hon Neko Grant addresses the official opening ceremony for T G Glover School. (BIS Photo/Raymond Bethel)

Nassau, The Bahamas – In his remarks at the official opening ceremony for T G Glover School, Public Works and Transport Minister the Hon. Neko C Grant said the school features an attractive and very unique design which highlights the unusual topography of the land on which it is built. The official opening is in keeping with the Government’s commitment to rebuild, repair and expand school infrastructure throughout The Bahamas and to ensure that students attend school in an environment conducive to learning.

In an overview of the school’s construction, Mr. Grant said in 2006 it was decided by the Government that efforts should be made to replace the existing structure with a new primary school building to more adequately meet the needs of students residing in the immediate areas of Bain Town, Chippingham and Oakes Field.

Mr. Grant explained that the Ministry of Education requested the assistance of the Ministry of Public Works and Transport in the design of a new school. The architectural drawings were completed and Cabinet later approved the award of the contract to E R Hanna Construction Company in the base amount of $9,994,603.93, a provisional sum of $650,000 and a client’s contingency amount of $999,460.39 as recommended. The original approved total funding by Cabinet for construction of the school amounted to $11,644,064.32.

In October 2006 a contract was signed between the Ministry of Public Works and E R Hanna Construction Company for the project to be completed within 30 months or 2 ½ years.

“The construction of the school commenced; however, despite efforts to remain within the approved budget range, it became evident as construction progressed that major changes to the scope of works were necessary,” Mr. Grant said.

He noted that the changes included reversion to the original plan to include some of the features that were modified or omitted. They include the library block ($849,526.55), outdoor sporting facilities – basketball and volleyball courts ($157,250), generator transfer switch ($34,500), security booths ($21,344), and boundary wall extension ($160,406), which total approximately $1.2 million.

The Hon Neko C Grant is pictured speaking at the opening ceremony for T G Glover School. Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. Hubert Ingraham (second from left) and Education Minister the Hon. Desmond Bannister (fourth from left) also participated in the ceremony. Delores Ingraham (wife of the Prime Minister) is shown first from left. (BIS Photo/Raymond Bethel)

“Furthermore, construction costs were also increased as a result of: the demolition of existing structures (specifically the School for the Deaf) excavation and execution of other site works to facilitate foundation construction, due to discovery of caverns/sink holes and water lens beneath the land surface, the adjustment of the roof as a result of partial collapse during workmanship, the revision of the mechanical and electrical systems, and the interruption of construction for three (3) months due to reported illness (skin irritation) of construction workers,” said Mr. Grant.

“With specific regard to the illness of construction workers, it is to be noted that a comprehensive environmental study and investigation of the site was undertaken, along with the removal of debris and soil. The site was determined to be considered safe for continued construction and eventual occupancy by students and the school’s faculty. With specific regard to the interruption of construction works, Cabinet agreed to the extension of the period to complete the contract by six (6) months, and for the Government to pay for associated costs to which a sum of $337,000 was agreed and accepted by the contractor,” he added.

Mr. Grant pointed out that additional funds in the amount of $3,128,150.62 were approved by Cabinet to provide for other mentioned works (including those that were taken out of the contract to reduce the cost and had to be put back into the contract as it was found that the school could not operate adequately without the omitted facilities.)

“This has revised the contract price to date to the sum of $15.1 million which is some $5 million more than the original base contract,” Mr. Grant said.

The school opened in September/Fall 2011 and the construction works are at the stage of “practical completion” said Mr. Grant.

“I am told that T G Glover School has performed well in the past and we look forward to the students of this great school achieving even greater success in the years to come,” Mr. Grant said.