ArcelorMittal Liberia has begun renovation works on the only public school in Makinto. The renovation is implemented by SORECCO, a construction company with an outstanding record for project implementation.
At a brief introductory program in Makinto on August 5, Daniel S. Sayon, Safety Officer overseeing the workers, said that the work is expected to be completed in two months.
Sayon said they have major work on the roof to do with some intervention to be made on the floor. He added that his team has seven men, and it is certain that they will recruit some individuals from the community to serve as helpers.
The school was built by ArcelorMittal Liberia, but it was damaged by heavy storms thus resulting to a complete shutdown. The roof and the ceiling are totally damaged with a segment of the floor.
While the structure itself remains relatively good and solid, Sayon said his team will do some touching on it before painting.
Harrison Waydon, Community Relation Superintendent, told the contracted company to exert every effort to complete the work before school opens. Mr. Waydon urged them to also prioritize people of the town for whatever space that may be created for a person to occupy.
He also warned the local people against stealing materials intended for the project to avoid hinderance, stressing that any act on the part of citizens to impede the work will come with its own consequences on the town’s people.
Prior to erecting this building in Makinto, the town did not have a school. Children, according to residents, went to Sanniquellie to attend, and those not privileged to go remain without education.
Patrick Beglar, Town Chief of Makinto, assured ArcelorMittal Liberia that he and the local leaders are going to work with the contractors to ensure that the work is done without any inconvenience.
Mr. Beglar stressed that they are on the watch for anyone who will attempt to steal the materials that are brought for the work, noting that whoever is caught stealing them will face the consequences thereof.
He commended ArcelorMittal Liberia and said, “We have been without a school building for years now. Children must leave from here to go to Sanniquellie before attending. We are grateful to ArcelorMittal for coming in to renovate the school with the assurance that before the academic year commences, the building will be completed. We are happy for this news and what we are seeing.”
