Latest update March 13th, 2026 11:54 AM
House approves $8.4M more for Kariako Primary as $21M project yet to start
(Kaieteur News) – The Committee of Supply on Thursday approved an additional $8.4 million in the 2026 budget for the reconstruction of Kariako Primary School in Region One, a $21 million project that has yet to commence.
During the consideration of budget estimates for the Region One RDC, Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Priya Manickchand, disclosed that the $8.4 million forms part of the $321,941,000 budgeted under capital expenditures for schools and educational facilities.
The minister detailed that the $321 million will cover the expansion of Arakaka Primary School, reconstruction of Kariako Primary School, extension of Port Kaituma and Canal Bank Primary Schools, construction of a SEN Centre at Moruca, and building primary schools and teacher quarters at Five Star, Eye Lash, and Big Creek communities.
Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Priya Manickchand
From the schools listed under the $321 million, APNU’s Member of Parliament, Ganesh Mahipaul, asked whether any of the funding represents a rollover from last year, when $183 million was budgeted for 2025.
Manickchand confirmed that two projects are carryovers: Arakaka Primary School, for which $12.1 million is budgeted for 2026, and the reconstruction of Kariako Primary School, for which $8.4 million has been set aside.
The minister was further asked to provide details on project commencement, the contractors executing the work, and expected completion dates. She disclosed that Zoya Enterprise is executing both projects. The Arakaka project was awarded in September 2025, while Kariako’s project was awarded in December 2025.
Manickchand informed the National Assembly that, based on information from the REO, the Kariako project has not yet started. She noted that the project was awarded $21 million in 2025, while the Arakaka project received $30 million.
“…It has not started yet; it is to be started. I was advised by the REO that the level of the Barama River disallows easy transportation to and from these villages, which impacts how civil works are carried out,” Manickchand explained.
Following up, Mahipaul asked why an additional $8.4 million was allocated if the $21 million project has not yet commenced.
“It’s a rollover amount, I’m advised,” the minister responded, noting that “mobilisation was paid for both projects, but not all of it was spent.”
APNU’s Member of Parliament, Ganesh Mahipaul
Regarding timelines, Manickchand said the Kariako project is expected to be completed by the end of March, while the Arakaka project is set for completion by end of June 2026.
“Having visited these communities, it’s almost inexplicable how the height of the river makes a huge difference. Some materials can’t reach the community if the Barama River is low, so while the projects are scheduled for March and June, they can be impacted by these factors,” the minister added
Some $9.1 billion was later approved for Region One.
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