School maintenance a government priorities

Minister for Education and Employment Evarist Bartolo outlined the major points of the school maintenance programme while insisting that the building of new schools will continue.

"The primary objective and driver of this school maintenance programme is the well being of all our students attending state schools," Bartolo said.

Speaking during a press conference Bartolo presented the main points of the government's plan to upgrade existing schools.

He noted that the Ministry will also guarantee the continuation of new school building. 

"This programme gives due consideration to school maintenance, security, cleanliness, embellishment and health and safety issues. Priority will be given to schools which face health and safety issues, including schools who currently pose a danger to our children," he said.

Bartolo said the first phase of this exercise was intended to give the Ministry a clear overview of the needs in state schools within  colleges and the level of infrastructural issues. 

Officials from the Department of Education and the Ministry's Secretariat visited all schools in Malta and the College Precincts Officer discussed these works with the College Principal and the respective Heads of School. 

Among the major infrastructural work that was pointed out include tiling, water and electricity installations, ceiling spalling, windows and apertures, facades and minor construction works. 

Health and safety measures will be given importance and the works will also include the installation or remodelling of soft flooring for younger students, synthetic turf and boundary walls.

Following this exercise, works that could be carried out through the Maintenance and Supply School Fund were identified.

While the schools would be supplying the materials, the department would be providing the required workers.  Many schools will be receiving the necessary support, expertise and upgrading from the department with respect to materials and labour. 

Funds will also be utilised from the Foundation for Tomorrow's Schools and inter-ministerial co-operation. Currently Foundation for Tomorrow's Schools architects are carrying out site visits together with the College Precincts Officers and are preparing a detailed report including financial estimates of the works needed on a total of 94 schools in Malta and 12 in Gozo.

This is expected to be finalised by the end of May. Maintenance work will be carried out in all 106 schools over the coming months, while major works will be carried out in 84 of them.