A Year After Fire, Kwakwani School Still Awaits Reconstruction

 A year after fire destroyed the Kwakwani Secondary School, students are preparing to return to classes without a replacement building, forcing authorities to consider temporary arrangements that parents and teachers fear could disrupt learning and create new safety concerns. The school was destroyed by fire August 24, 2025

Public schools across Guyana are scheduled to reopen Monday, August 31, 2026, for the Christmas Term of the 2026–2027 academic year. The term is scheduled to run until Friday, December 11, 2026.

But in Kwakwani, the new school year is beginning under an unresolved infrastructure problem.

Mark Goring, Region Ten Vice Chairman and a member of We Invest in Nationhood (WIN), is demanding answers from the Ministry of Education, saying construction of a replacement school has still not begun a year after the fire.

With student numbers expected to increase for the new term, authorities are reportedly preparing to use the Kwakwani Workers Club as additional classroom space.

That would divide the school’s operations between the main compound and the Workers Club, requiring teachers and students to move between locations during the school day.

Goring said the arrangement risks turning a temporary response into another obstacle to effective teaching.

“It will be challenging for teachers who will have to walk between the main school compound and the Workers Club for different classes throughout the day. This split accommodation setup have the potential to disrupt teaching, supervision, and student safety.”

The delay has also raised questions about a reported $1 billion-plus contract for the reconstruction.

Goring said the public has not been told which company received the contract or when the work is expected to be completed. He also cited claims that the project is being considered for subcontracting to local contractors.

“The people of Kwakwani deserve answers.”

Goring is calling on the Ministry of Education and relevant authorities to publicly account for the project, including the contractor, contract value, timetable and the reasons construction has not yet started.

He is also demanding a clear plan for accommodating students and teachers throughout the new school term rather than relying on what he described as a rushed split arrangement.

“Provide a public update on the status of the Kwakwani Secondary School reconstruction project.”

“Disclose the name of the contractor awarded the $1B+ contract and the project timeline.”

“Explain why, one year later, no construction has begun.”

“Outline a proper, safe, and dignified plan for students and teachers for this school term, instead of a rushed split accommodation.”

The concerns come as families prepare for the reopening of schools nationwide on Monday. For Kwakwani parents, however, the start of the academic year carries the added question of where and under what conditions their children will receive instruction.

Goring said the loss of the school building should not result in students spending another academic term in uncertain or unsuitable conditions.

“Our children’s education cannot be placed on hold. Teachers and students deserve a proper learning environment, not uncertainty and makeshift classrooms.”

The controversy also comes as the Government continues to promote spending on infrastructure and development in communities outside Georgetown. In Kwakwani, the unfinished replacement school has become a visible measure of whether those promises are being translated into completed public facilities.

Goring also criticised Prime Minister Mark Phillips over his recent visit to Kwakwani for a cricket event, arguing that residents need attention to everyday problems as much as high-profile community engagements.

“The Prime Minister host his cricket and left, and the residents have to face the real issues affecting them.”

With the Christmas Term beginning Monday, the central question for Kwakwani families remains whether the temporary classroom arrangements will be sufficient—and how much longer students will have to wait for a permanent school.

Goring said residents expect the Government to provide clear answers and act quickly.

“The people of Kwakwani are watching, and we expect accountability and urgent action.”