KINGSTON, Jamaica — Deeside Basic School in Trelawny has reopened following a six-week rehabilitation project costing $2.06 million, which included electrical upgrades, a new ceiling, improved ventilation and fresh paintwork.

According to a release, the work was carried out under the Melissa Urgent Relief Project (MURP), a Rotary-led recovery intervention supported by the Rotary Club of Kingston East and Port Royal, Rotary Club of May Pen and Rotary District 7020.

The project was completed in two phases, with the first phase completed in January to facilitate the reopening of the school with full attendance.

The second phase included electrical wiring, lighting installation and certification, as well as a new ceiling, partitions, doors and windows, improved cooling and ventilation systems, painting of the building and installation of new Deeside and Rotary signs.

The work was completed in time for the school’s reopening on September 14, when about 50 students, teachers and auxiliary staff returned to a freshly painted and brightly coloured building with a new roof and landscaped grounds.

Project manager Andrea Livingston-Prince said the lights were switched on on September 5, ahead of the reopening.

“MURP demonstrated ‘Service Above Self’ through professional practice. Rotary leaders mobilised funding and institutional support, while Rotary members contributed project management, construction, quantity surveying, sustainability and business network expertise to strengthen co-ordination, cost control, quality and value for money,” she said.

More than 70 per cent of the project’s procurement was sourced from businesses in the immediate community, as well as construction and electrical suppliers in western Jamaica.

Livingston-Prince said involving the community business sector helped to lower costs, while members of the Parent-Teacher Association, teachers and parents contributed time and skills, including removing debris and cleaning the premises.

She also acknowledged the various Rotary members and partners who contributed to the project, including district governor Bill Aiken, assistant governor Karsten Johnson, district chair of the disaster grant committee Michael Terrelongue and the late club president Roy Reynolds, who she credited with the project’s vision.

Appreciation was also expressed to Deeside Basic School principal Zeima Clarke-Green, teacher Lacy Ann Neil and pastors of the neighbouring Hastings Baptist Church for their assistance in improving access to services and communication during the project.

Both Rotary Club of Kingston East and Port Royal president Richard Hutchinson and Livingston-Prince encouraged national and diaspora organisations to support similar projects in rural Jamaica and consider working with Rotary as a sustainable partner in rebuilding communities.