This exceeds the initial cost estimates by rough four million dollars.

A breakdown of how the project was divided sees Quality Construction Limited winning the contract for the construction of the Technical Block — which is valued at $4,336,427.12 — while Metro Construction Limited was awarded the contract for the construction of Classroom Block North valued at $2,496,690.84.

The contract for Classroom Block South, valued at $3,721,766.59, was awarded to Autland Equipment Company Limited. Finally, the $880,104.66 contract for the construction of the Administration Office Block was won by Sunleaf Construction and Northam Construction in a joint venture.

In giving his remarks at the contract signing and groundbreaking ceremony yesterday evening, Roy Garraway, the owner of Quality Constructions promised to deliver a proper building in time for the new school year.

“Quality Constructions would like to thank the RDA (Recovery and Development Agency) for giving us the opportunity once again to showcase our talents and skills and I stand behind my word that once everything goes good, we will deliver on time and within budget and a building of good constructability. With that said, I would mention to Mr [Anthony] McMaster that for this project to be a success we must work hand in hand and Quality Construction is ready to work with you to achieve this,” Garraway said.

Brian Marshall, the representative from Metro Construction, said this is a key project in the territory’s recovery strategy and his company is keen to produce the work to help students return to the Lower Estate campus.

“The redevelopment of the Elmore Stoutt High School will be a challenge for all of us. All the stakeholders, given the timeframe and logistics but we at Metro constructions pledge to do our part to ensure that this project is successful along with all the other contractors. So, guys, let’s get it on,” Marshall added.

The representative from Autland Heavy Equipment Co. Ltd said, as with the company’s involvement in the restoration of the L-shaped building in 2019, this project had a very tight timeline for completion, However, Autland is committed to delivering on time. The representative said works will begin on April 4, 2022.

The other contractor Lordon Hamlet, the representative of Sunleaf Construction and Northam Construction, said it was a dream for him to play a part in the redevelopment of the school. He said this year marks 10 years since he graduated from ESHS.

Meanwhile, Premier Andrew Fahie in his speech said the value of the contracts signed has exceeded the projected cost of completion but the money is there to complete the work.

“While the value of the contracts that will be signed, the overall total value, exceeds the overall total estimates by $4 million, we will not defer this project anymore and extend the suffering of our students and teachers and the administrative and support staff any longer than necessary,” Fahie said.

“Where there is a will, there is a way and the will of your government and relevant stakeholders is to bring our students, teachers and staff back to the Elmore Stoutt High School campus in facilities that they deserve and will be suitable for purpose by September 2022,” the Premier continued.

The new buildings will consist of 10 large classrooms for 25 students each, 25 small classrooms for 18 students each; eight student bathrooms as well as a staff bathroom, a principal’s office, an administrative office, and a staff lounge.