ST. PETERS--The extension at Sister Magda School is being constructed without a building permit, Department of New Works and Projects head Kurt Ruan confirmed Tuesday.
However, Ruan explained that the permit was being processed and “will be ready soon.”
Commissioner of Education William Marlin broke ground to signal the start of the construction last week Wednesday, January 20.
According to Ruan, there had been delays with acquiring stamps for the permits and some other issues. He declined to elaborate.
Department of Education Project Manager for Innovations in Education Angela Dekker was far more vocal when The Daily Herald, on Ruan’s suggestion, requested her to comment via phone.
Dekker dismissed the inquiry about the building permit and wanted to know, “Who is the person behind this?” referring to The Daily Herald’s source of information. She said everything pertaining to the permit had been submitted in the correct and legal manner.
Dekker also asked why the media wanted to publish the information about the permit. “Do you prefer to have the children on the street? What is the problem? Will you put it in the newspaper that we are all wrong, including Angela Dekker and USONA? Do you think we can do this with Dutch money?” she asked. And, before referring this newspaper back to Ruan, she suggested that this newspaper had ulterior motives.
As part of the Innovations in Education project, a new two-storey building is being constructed. There will be a large, open play area and the building will consist of a canteen, storage room and restroom facilities on the ground floor. The first floor will also contain a classroom, a resource centre and two offices.
The project is being financed with Dutch development funds through USONA.
