WILSON’S RUN, Trelawny – A new $6.1 million basic school is to be built inside the Wilson’s Run community in Trelawny within another four months.

The multi-million dollar contract was signed recently by the Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF), Geran-tee Construction Limited and the Wilson’s Run community. The work, which will be implemented by the JSIF, will include the construction of two classrooms in addition to sanitary and kitchen facilities.

The new structure, which will be built in keeping with Ministry of Education, Youth and Culture standards, will benefit 40 students and two staff members. Other aspects of the project will include the provision of 45 desks and 23 chairs for the students as well as a number of tables, desks, chairs and cupboards for teachers. A refrigerator, stove and a filing cabinet will also be provided.

The JSIF has spent approximately $24 million on 12 education projects in Trelawny since the fund was established in 1996, according to operations manager Omar Sweeney.

“We also have another seven projects valued at more than $51 million, which will be coming on-stream in the next 12 months,” he added.

Sweeney pointed out that it was costing almost twice as much to build a basic school now than it did seven years ago. Against this background, he said, it was important for the community to protect the investment.

“It is crucial that what we build in each community is safeguarded and well-maintained because we are not able to replace these facilities in the future,” he said. “So I want to challenge the entire community to take ownership of this project and ensure that the work is carried out to the highest standards.”