Education Minister Anthony Garcia says the Education Facilities Company Ltd (EFCL) is owing contractors some $800 million for construction and refurbishment works in schools.
Responding to questions about the construction of the Dr Roodal Moonilal Ramai Trace SDMS School during a tour of the New Grant Anglican Primary School yesterday, Garcia said claims that the contractor was not being paid were true.
Asked if the construction of the Ramai Trace school was going at a slow pace because of non-payment to the contractor, Garcia said: "That is correct. What is happening is because of the downturn in our economy we are unable to pay all the contractors all the money owed to them.
"In fact the EFCL has said that contractors are owed in the vicinity of $800 million and we are trying to see how best we can facilitate early payments, at least part payments for contractors."
Asked if this lack of funds would affect payment for the construction of the New Grant Anglican School, Garcia said: "We have identified funds so the contractor will have no problem with the payment of money for work that is being done here...funds have been identified and there will be no problem."
When asked about the cost of the New Grant Anglican School, Garcia said: "Those fine points... I don't have all that information on my fingertips. I am unable to say the exact cost."
He gave the assurance that all schools, both at the primary and secondary level, would be reopened on September 5.
"I have been saying repeatedly that every school will be reopened for our students when school reopens on September 5, every school, both secondary and primary schools, all those schools will be reopened."
Garcia said the New Grant Anglican School was being prefabricated and the project was expected to be completed by next Friday, in time for the new school term.
"The contractor has been appointed and he is working very diligently. I've been told by the persons in charge that every effort will be made and he has given me the assurance that when school reopens on September 5, all the students who are assigned to this school will find a place.
"In other words, no child will find themselves out of school at this school when school reopens in September.
"I have been assured that the workers are working assiduously. They are working night and day to ensure that the project is completed and all our children will be housed come September 5," he said.