Old structure: Cost to repair Robinson O’Neal shoots pass $1M

More than $1 million is to be spent on repair works ongoing at the Robinson O’Neal Memorial Primary School.

That is according to Construction Manager at the Oil Nut Bay Construction Company, Brendan O’ Reilly.

O’Reilly told BVI News that the cost to of the project has exceeded $1 million because the Virgin Gorda-based educational facility had some structural defects cause by age.

He said the school was built over a number of years and at least one section is believed to have been built during the 1970s.

“Of course construction practices is not what they are today so we have had to replace a lot of rebars (a steel reinforcing rod in concrete), and a lot of concrete that we didn’t anticipate that we had to do initially,” he said.

O’Reilly said those unplanned works caused a delay in the project.

However, he said the project is back on schedule to be completed in time for September.

The construction manager said some of the structural changes to the school include changing timbre roofs to concrete, constructing two additional classrooms, and carrying out a series of foundational repairs.

He said the final roof slab is scheduled to be poured this week, which will complete the reinforced concrete works to the facility.

“Then, we will be installing windows and doors which are due to arrive in two weeks’ time and once installed, we will have airtight buildings so that interior works can commence.”

The internal works include new floor tiles, replastering and repainting of the walls, and installing electricals and furnishings.

The floor tile and additional materials are due to arrive in June and O’Reilly is projecting the floors should be completed within the month.

“We are currently working with the teachers on their preferred classroom layouts and design so that furnishings can be ordered,” he said.

Sponsors

The project is being undertaken by Creative Group BVI and, on any given day, employs approximately 15 employees.

The Oil Nut Bay North Sound Foundation is sponsoring the project.

Upon completion, the fully-functional, upscale smart school will be air-conditioned, equipped with a backup battery system, solar energy, a covered courtyard, and a concrete roof.

During last year’s hurricanes, the school lost portions of its roof, windows, doors, and furniture.

The school has a population of more than 100 students.