George Henry, Gleaner Writer
SPALDINGS, Clarendon:
AFTER MORE than 10 years of waiting, the Ministry of Education
(MoE) has finally started repair work on a dangerous quadrangle at Spaldings
High School in Clarendon. The work started last week and principal Alphansus
Davis said it was long in coming but all at the institution is happy.
"The work has started and I am pleased because we have been calling for the repairs for the past 10 years without success. After such a long wait we are happy that it is taking place now so that we can have our annual graduation ceremony here," Mr. Davis said.
He stated that the facility which was stripped of its asbestos covering and whose metal framing was removed last year when it threatened the lives of the students and teachers, was used for several activities.
These include prize-giving which had to be put off between last year and the present. Regular devotions were also affected and Mr. Davis said students and teachers would resume these when the repair is complete.
In 2004 the school board took a decision to close the school for a few days because metal particles were falling from the roof and there was fear for the safety of users. Classes were suspended but later resumed when the board wrote the MOE and personnel sent men to remove the roof.
It was left uncovered for more than one year making life uncomfortable for students when it rained and when the sun was too hot. Several students reportedly fainted at the uncovered facility during devotions, as they were unable to bear the heat of the sun.
