All water taps have been stolen from the recently renovated Julius Lobato public school on Grofolostraat in Beekhuizen. District Commissioner Wennys Vijfhoven of Paramaribo Zuid reacted with shock to the damage to the school building, whose renovation was completed at the end of September.
According to the Burger Informatie Centrum (BIC) Paramaribo Zuid (Citizen Information Centre), the perpetrators left a trail of destruction. The theft comes shortly after US$ 85,000 was invested in the renovation of the school building.
The renovation took place as part of the international city partnership between the Paramaribo Zuid district commissioner’s office and the Chinese city of Wenzhou. Due to the poor condition of the building, it was decided to carry out a thorough refurbishment. The work was completed in the last week of September.
District Commissioner Vijfhoven calls the situation particularly regrettable. “It is terrible that all the hard work and efforts to once again make this school a beautiful and safe learning environment are being destroyed in this way,” he says.
Ministry of Education pledges security
The Ministry of Education has since pledged to deploy guards to secure the school building and prevent further damage and theft.
Vijfhoven also makes an urgent appeal to the residents of Beekhuizen to remain alert to vandalism and jointly take responsibility for protecting the school.
“This school is intended for our youth. Let us work together to ensure that this beautiful project is preserved and that our children can receive education in a safe and pleasant environment,” the district commissioner emphasises.
It is not clear from the report by BIC Paramaribo Zuid whether a police report has already been filed and what the total extent of the damage is.
