Arends-Reyes(AVP) calls for multi-year plan for safe and adequate schools

ORANJESTAD — AVP parliamentary leader Jennifer Arends-Reyes is calling on the government to introduce a transparent multi-year plan to address Aruba’s accumulated school maintenance backlog and provide safe and adequate buildings for students and teachers.

According to a published inventory, 43 schools across several districts have urgent needs. Arends-Reyes points to a discrepancy in the figures: subtotals for five districts amount to approximately Afl. 173.6 million, while the document lists a total of Afl. 137.6 million, excluding schools in Oranjestad and secondary schools. She is therefore asking the government to clarify the actual costs and establish transparent priorities.

She argues that years of insufficient preventive maintenance have allowed relatively minor problems to develop into more serious damage involving roofs, walls, electrical installations, bathrooms and ventilation. In her view, building conditions directly affect safety, health, continuity of classes and the quality of education.

Arends-Reyes proposes a complete inventory for each school, detailing its current condition, required work, estimated costs, urgency and the authority responsible for implementation. Schools presenting direct health or safety risks should receive priority.

Because the backlog cannot realistically be addressed within a single budget year, she is advocating a multi-year program. Before major investments are made, she also wants the government to examine current and projected student numbers, building capacity and educational needs in each district.

Arends-Reyes does not rule out future school mergers, but says such decisions should not be based solely on financial considerations. Distance, transportation, educational quality, school identity and the impact on students, teachers, parents and communities should all be considered.

She also proposes periodic inspections, annual maintenance budgets and clear responsibilities to prevent renovated schools from deteriorating again. According to Arends-Reyes, a safe and adequate school is “not a luxury”, but a basic requirement for good education.