Standard Five pupils from Moruga RC Primary School enjoyed a full day of school yesterday for the first time since the term opened on September 8 as they took up classes at the Moruga/Tableland constituency office, gifted to them by newly-elected MP Dr Lovell Francis.
However, remaining students from other classes were sent back home as the office has not yet been outfitted with sufficient toilets.
In an interview yesterday, Francis said about 50 out of 115 students turned up for classes.
“All of them could not stay because the toilets which are supposed to be delivered are still en-route. We could not have formal school because of the lack of toilets,” Francis said.
He said the Ministry of Education committed that the toilets would be installed yesterday so full classes will begin today.
Francis said he would meet with Education Minister Anthony Garcia next week to discuss when the new Moruga school would be built.
Contacted yesterday, PTA president Rebecca Sinanan said while she was thankful they found a temporary place to have school, she was still uncomfortable with the arrangements.
“Everything is not yet in order. They still need toilets and the place is not suitable for the children just yet. I am hoping that the ministry will expedite the process to get the new school built soon,” Sinanan said.
Saying the children were fed up of staying at home, she added: “I prefer to have them in the constituency office rather than postpone their education but I want the ministry to work as quickly as possible to get the pre-fabricated building installed.”
Sinanan said the structure would be shipped to Trinidad over the next three weeks but she was uncertain how long it would take to be installed.
Garcia said on Wednesday he was awaiting a report on the school. He could not say how long it would take to have the new school ready.
The school building at Gran Chemin collapsed on August 10 while repairs were being done. The school was eventually demolished.