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Loop News 4 hrs ago
Collapse roof at DGS Photo: CMC
The Government of Dominica has issued a statement regarding the collapse of the concrete roof at the Dominica Grammar School, which is currently under construction in the capital. The incident occurred on Monday when the roof of the school’s auditorium gave way. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
“The Government of Dominica views the collapse of the concrete roof at the Dominica Grammar School construction site on Monday, June 16, as a matter of grave concern and is addressing the incident with the highest level of urgency and seriousness,” Acting Prime Minister Denise Charles-Pemberton said on Wednesday.
“We are extremely thankful that the incident resulted in no injuries,” she added.
Charles-Pemberton informed that the Cabinet has approved an independent investigation to determine the cause of the structural failure. She said an engineering firm will be engaged to carry out a comprehensive assessment of the site and submit a detailed report to the government.
As an additional measure, a decision was also taken to inspect all other structures currently under construction at the site to assess their structural integrity and ensure full compliance with safety standards, Charles-Pemberton said.
Meantime, she adds that, “All construction activities at the site have been suspended with immediate effect pending the outcome of the investigation.”
A joint team from the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Public Works will oversee the process and ensure that corrective actions are implemented.
In January, Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, who toured the construction of the new DGS said the building is expected to be completed by the end of June this year.
“Though we are under pressure to have the students in at the earliest opportunity, but at the same time we have to be careful that we do not speed-compromise the structural integrity and the architectural quality of the Dominica Grammar School,” he said then.
“The well-being of the students, teachers, and staff of the Dominica Grammar School remains the government’s paramount concern, and no compromises will be made in safeguarding their safety and protection,” Charles-Pemberton concluded, promising to provide the public with further updates in due course.
