Gov’t breaks ground for two state-of-the-art schools at Houston and Diamond

Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand, on Friday officially turned the sod for the construction of two modern schools—a secondary school in Houston on the East Bank of Demerara and a primary school in the rapidly expanding Diamond community.

The two projects, valued at a combined cost of more than $1.1 billion, represent a significant investment in the country’s human capital and a tangible expression of the government’s commitment to improving access to quality education across all levels.

The Houston Secondary School will be constructed on the site of the now-demolished old Houston Secondary. The new two-storey facility will span over an acre and is designed to accommodate more than 400 students in at least 16 classrooms.

Beyond academic spaces, the structure will support holistic student development with the inclusion of a library, counselling room, and dedicated offices for the Headmaster and Deputy Headmaster. Notably, it will house a Science Research Centre, an Information Technology laboratory, and other modern teaching spaces.

Built with sustainability and safety at the forefront, the school will incorporate lightweight glass panels to enhance natural lighting, reducing energy consumption. It will also be fitted with modern fire suppressant and retardant systems to ensure the safety of staff and students.

The project will be executed by K&S General Contracting Inc. at a total cost of $296.9 million. Construction is expected to take 17 months, followed by a one-year defects liability period.

Meanwhile, in Diamond, the new Diamond No. 2 Primary School will be built on more than two acres of land and will feature a two-storey complex with 25 classrooms, capable of housing at least 750 students. The design includes a sick bay, library, and administrative offices, as well as dedicated science and IT rooms tailored for primary-level education.

The facility will also promote recreational and physical development with the inclusion of a playfield and other student-friendly amenities.

Utilising lightweight steel panels and waterproof, heat-resistant materials, the school is engineered to last over 75 years. Its energy-efficient design emphasises the use of natural lighting, aligning with the Ministry’s goal of building climate-resilient educational institutions.

This project is being delivered under a ‘Design, Build, and Furnish’ model by RENOVESS Ltd, a foreign contractor, at a total cost of $821.8 million. Construction is slated to be completed in 10 months, followed by a one-year defects liability period.

These two new schools are part of the Ministry of Education’s wider agenda to modernise the country’s learning environments and expand equitable access to education. Minister Manickchand reaffirmed that such investments are central to Guyana’s development, noting that “education remains the cornerstone of national progress.”

Upon completion, the new Houston Secondary and Diamond No. 2 Primary Schools are expected to significantly enhance the learning experience for hundreds of students and contribute meaningfully to the long-term development of Guyana’s future generations.