IOM to spend EC $670,000 on bathroom upgrades in SVG

The government of Japan through the International Organization for Migration (IOM), will be upgrading bathroom facilities at 21 schools on mainland St Vincent to the tune of EC$ 670,000.

According to a release from the Organisation, 280 toilets are to be installed at schools listed to be repaired primarily in the red and orange volcanic hazard zones and those used as emergency shelters in Kingstown, following the eruptions of La Soufriere volcano in April 2021. The schools identified to receive new bathroom facilities are said to be in dire need of repairs.

IOM’s representative in St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG), Jan Willem Wegdam said, “IOM is ready to roll out the repair of bathroom facilities at all schools, where two hundred and eighty professional toilets will be installed as well as 200 face basins, and most washrooms will be thoroughly cleaned and repainted”.

The Roads Buildings and General Services Authority (BRAGSA) has been contracted to carry out the work which has begun at several secondary schools in North Leeward and North Windward.

Attracting major upgrades is the Petit Bordel Secondary School on the Leeward end and on the Windward end, major works will be done at the Georgetown Secondary School.

On January 19, 2022, during his three-day visit, Ambassador to CARICOM, Tatsuo Hirayama, visited one of the C W Prescod Primary school, where 36 toilets will be replaced. The ambassador had said that he is hopeful that the repaired bathroom facilities will enable a hygienic environment for students and teachers.

Repairs at schools are expected to be done mainly on weekends so as not to disturb classes.

Installation of washroom facilities at all schools is scheduled to be completed by April, 2022.