In a spirited discussion over the 2024 budget estimates for Region Eight, Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Sonia Parag, and Opposition Member of Parliament, Ganesh Mahipaul, went head to head over the completion of the Kato Secondary School dormitory.
The dormitory which is set to accommodate at least 250 students was pegged at $285M and was announced in 2021. The contract was awarded to Reiaz Akbar General Construction Services.
During the consideration of the estimates in the Committee of Supply Minister Parag first revealed that the project will require $94.3 million for its completion in addition to $190.6 million already spent. This led to Mahipaul inquiring about the specifications of the dormitory, referencing last year’s tragic dormitory fire that claimed the lives of 21 students.
“So as you know, this entire country faced a very unfortunate situation at another place in Region Eight, reference to a dormitory and it is prudent on our part that we ensure it is constructed in such a way that we do not have a repeat of such and all measures to mitigate any activity of such again must be put in place,” Mahipaul noted.
Parag said she does not have the specifications currently, which led to Mahipaul to request that she furnishes the National Assembly with the information at a later time.
Instead of committing to lay over the documents, Parag diverted by saying that it is a modern facility outfitted with the necessary fire prevention mechanisms and safety measures.
Despite Mahipaul expressing gratitude for the response, he continued to insist that Parag provide the specifications, which would allow the opposition to scrutinize whether the dormitory aligns with international standards. Parag reiterated her stance, emphasizing that the facility will meet international standards, but Mahipaul remained firm in requesting the documents. This persistent request eventually led to Parag agreeing to lay over the document.
“What is so difficult for the Honourable Minister to provide us with a scope of work? A document of a dormitory that was already awarded to a sum, already in construction. Already there being constructed by a company— by a contractor,” he chided.
Mahipaul added that “All the documents are there; what is so difficult in making it public so that the public can have that confidence”. According to the Member of Parliament, given that the fire occurred under the current regime, it is important that there is heightened scrutiny.
Responding to Mahipaul, Minister Parag accused him of exploiting the Mahdia tragedy for cheap political gains. She pointed out that the dormitory existed under the former coalition government, which failed to implement necessary changes to prevent the fire.
Despite the exchange, the minister highlighted that the dormitory is currently 65 percent complete and assured its completion by August 31.
Minister of Education, Priya Manikchand, present at the session, chimed in to brief the committee on additional measures undertaken by the government since the fire to enhance student safety. She disclosed that, following the tragedy, Cabinet adopted a policy distributed across all regions. This policy mandates dormitories to have dorm mothers in proportion to the number of students, ensuring robust oversight.
