KINGSTON, Jamaica, Government has allocated $182 million to replace pit latrines in 26 schools across the island.

The funds have been set aside under Phase I of the Replacement of Pit Latrines in Schools Programme, which is being supported by the government, in partnership with the Culture, Health, Arts, Sports and Education (CHASE) Fund, the Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF), and the Petro-Caribe Development Fund.

This was disclosed by Education Minister, Ronald Thwaites, at a press briefing on Monday at Jamaica House, in Kingston.

"There are over 200 schools in Jamaica that still have pit latrines," he reported.

Two more schools have been identified by CHASE for the construction of water bound sanitary facilities, while other schools, which require repairs to sanitary facilities and general repairs will be supported by the Ministry, National Works Agency (NWA), parish councils and community-based organizations, such as parent teacher's associations.

Thwaites also encouraged schools to seek local partners in this venture and said there is a particular difficulty for some schools in rural areas that do not have a public water supply system."

"However, where tanks and other devices can help to make water sanitary facilities possible, we are insistent that this should be the case," he said.