21 February 2007 Rating 33% No Comment  

The Rosa Magro primary school in Xewkija is currently undergoing intensive modernisation works through the direct investment of Lm130,000 by the Ministry for Gozo.

On visiting the school premises earlier today the Hon. Giovanna Debono, Minister for Gozo, praised the works carried out up to now and said that this project proves the Ministry for Gozo's commitment towards the continuous improvement of the education sector in Gozo.

Minister Debono referred to the Ministry for Gozo's plan to upgrade all schools in Gozo, works on which were initiated in 1999 and that cover all eleven primary schools, two secondary schools, one post-secondary school and four special schools on the island. To date, new computer and science laboratories were set up in several schools, most sanitary facilities were upgraded, electricity, water and drainage systems were replaced, accessibility for students with disabilities was given importance while general refurbishment was done in almost all schools.

Referring in particular to the Rosa Magro Primary School in Xewkija, Minister Debono said that students' safety, comfort and basic needs were given particular importance in this project with works on the ground floor presently reaching their final phase, and expected to be finished by the end of April.

The newly upgraded classrooms were finished in time for use since the start of the current scholastic year while other completed works include the installation of fire alarms and a CCTV system and the installation of aluminium apertures making the ground floor corridor safer and better shielded from adverse weather conditions. The electrical system on the ground floor has also been totally replaced along with the full renovation of sanitary facilities. Other general works include tiling, plastering and painting of all the primary school area.

Works currently in progress include the complete refurbishment of the hall situated on the ground floor, comprising of the overhaul of the stage lighting, stage facilities and that of the hall in general. Other works underway include those carried out on the basement, with the construction of a soil retaining wall and the application of membrane for both water and damp proofing. First floor classrooms are currently being given a facelift in addition to the replacement of sanitary facilities and new electrical installation. The project also incorporates the refurbishment of the Kindergarten wing as well as the upgrading of the entrance corridor and administration area.

The upgrading of the Rosa Magro Primary school in Xewkija will be complemented by works in other schools in Gozo, including the upgrading of the technology workshops at the Agius De Soldanis Girls Junior Lyceum and Secondary school, the installation of stage lighting and related equipment at the Patri Mattew Sultana Xag?ra primary school and the refurbishment of sanitary facilities at the Sir Mikelan? Refalo Centre for Further Studies. MEPA applications have also been submitted for the installation of lifts at the Sir Arturo Primary School in Victoria, the Agius De Soldanis girls' junior lyceum and secondary school and the Sir Mikelan? Refalo Centre for Further Studies, for the benefit of increased accessibility for students with disabilities. These follow the recent procurement of additional computers for the computer laboratory at the Sir Mikelan? Refalo Centre for Further Studies and the installation of a solar water heating system at the same school.

The main project in the educational sector in Gozo, that will be started this year, is that of the complete reconstruction of the existing boys' junior lyceum and secondary school complex involving the investment of Lm3 million over three years.