Education Ministry to assess structure after fatal Balcombe Drive Primary collapse

Education Minister Senator Dana Morris Dixon says building officers and engineers from the Ministry are to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the structure that collapsed at Balcombe Drive Primary and Junior High School in St Andrew, resulting in the death of a construction worker.

Last Monday, a walkway partially collapsed while 45-year-old labourer Shine Johnson was reportedly involved in efforts to demolish the structure.

Johnson became trapped beneath the fallen concrete and died.

Morris Dixon, speaking to reporters on Monday following the official merger of Hydel High School and Cumberland High School in Portmore, St Catherine, said the Ministry has received an initial report from its regional director.

She said she is awaiting a second report before building officers and engineers can conduct a comprehensive assessment of the structure.

“The section that collapsed was a walkway, so it should not affect classes,” the minister said.

She said the Ministry has established procedures and designated personnel who must be involved before any repairs are undertaken at schools.

She said the Ministry has procedures that have to be followed, and personnel who are approved to carry out these assessments and repairs.

The incident occurred as the school sought to address what has been described as deteriorating infrastructure.

The institution had reportedly used its own funds to engage a local contractor to undertake repair work.

However, the contractor was reportedly not present at the school when the incident occurred.

The minister’s comments come amid concerns about the condition of the school and calls for the Ministry of Education to intervene.

For now, Morris Dixon said the priority is to complete the necessary assessments and ensure that any remedial work is carried out in accordance with the Ministry’s established procedures, while classes continue without interruption.

- Ruddy Mattison

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