WILLEMSTAD - The 2025 Supplementary Budget reveals that the government will allocate Cg 1.5 million for urgent repairs to primary and secondary school buildings across the island. The Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport (OWCS) reports that several schools are facing structural issues that require immediate attention, including failing roofs, deteriorated bathrooms, and outdated electrical systems.

The funding will be used to stabilize the most critical facilities first, ensuring that students and teachers can work in safe environments. According to the ministry, a detailed inspection report completed earlier this year identified more than a dozen school buildings in “poor” or “very poor” condition.

The government notes that the investment is “bridging money” until a larger, multi-year school infrastructure masterplan is launched in 2026. That plan is expected to include new school construction, full electrical rewiring, improved ventilation systems, and modernized digital facilities.

Education stakeholders welcomed the new funds but stressed that years of deferred maintenance require structural budgeting, not one-off emergency allocations.