The Rosa Magro primary school in Xewkija will be considerably upgraded through funds that the Ministry for Gozo is investing in the modernisation of schools in Gozo during this financial year.

The Ministry is presently finalising the tender documents that will be issued later this month, asking for bidders to submit their offers for works to be carried out. The tender documents specifically call for the complete re-installation of both the electricity and the water system at the school, the upgrading of all sanitary facilities, an extension of the IT network to cover the whole school, the introduction of a CCTV system for added security on the school grounds, the introduction of fire alarms and fire fighting equipment, the closure of wide corridor apertures on the ground floor with aluminium to provide more comfort for students and teachers in the colder months, the complete refurbishment of the school hall including the provision of stage lighting and a sound system, waterproofing membrane and damp proofing as required and the plastering and painting of all corridors and classrooms to provide a better learning environment for all children.

The Hon. Giovanna Debono, Minister for Gozo, said that modernisation works at this school are estimated to cost around Lm135,000. The Ministry for Gozo, Minister Debono said, is committed towards improving the physical environment of all schools in Gozo and since 1999 it has embarked on an extensive programme of modernisation works including the introduction of new facilities and the upgrading of existing ones in all schools in Gozo, involving the investment of over Lm1 million. Priority had to be given to those schools that lacked basic infrastructure that are requisites today such as adequate sanitary facilities, accessibility for all and space. The Ministry is now focusing the bulk of this year’s financial allocation for schools towards the Rosa Magro primary school to address its needs in a concerted effort.

Minister Debono said that infrastructural works should start during the first weeks of school holidays in summer. Since the works are of an intensive nature, care is being taken so that the inconvenience to students and teachers is minimised as much as possible. The Hon. Giovanna Debono said that the Xewkija primary school will be yet another clear mark of Government’s commitment towards providing the best for our young to pursue a quality education. Education, the Minister reminded, is one of the three pillars of Government’s endeavours together with the environment and the economy.