Go back
Features


CDs

NNSL Logo .
 Email this articleE-mail this story  Discuss this articleOrder a classified ad Print window Print this page

Gameti school plans held up

Christine Grimard reporting
Northern News Services
Monday, May 14, 2007

RAE LAKES - Families hoping for their teenagers to be schooled in Gameti will be disappointed as plans to expand the school have been put on hold.

The GNWT Department of Public Works and Services put out a tender for an extension to Jean Wetrade Gameti school. The plans and blueprints are done for two new classrooms, one culture room and a gymnasium. Ultimately the added space will allow high school students to attend classes in the community.

The problem now is who will build it.

Mike Burns, Regional Superintendent for the North Slave Region, said that they haven't received any responsive bids from contractors interested in taking on the project.

Until they do, parents like Mary-Adele Chocolate will have to continue sending their children to Rae for their high school education.

Chocolate has sent three children to live with friends or family in Rae, and will need to send two more.

"At first you're kind of happy and sad and worried," said Chocolate about sending them away. "You're happy because you're sending your kids to get an educationÖ but you're worried about them because drugs and alcohol are a big problem."

Chocolate said she's received phone calls in the middle of the night from the RCMP about her children who are miles away from her.

"My heart just shook, it's frightening, asking myself, 'did anything happen to my children?'"

Chocolate said she was thrilled to hear a few years ago that the extension would be built. However, with nothing being done, her hopes of keeping her children close to home are dwindling.

"Every year I think it's going to get done, but nothing gets done." said Chocolate.

"Some jobs are just not getting bidders," said Burns who noted this is a common problem with isolated communities.

As the winter road to Gameti didn't reach full capacity last year, Burns said contractors are worried about not being able to bring in supplies on schedule to get the job done on budget.

"When contractors look at [the job], they look at risks. If they're there, they're just not going to touch it."

When a contractor bids, the company has to guarantee that the job is done for the amount the contractor has promised.

In addition to unpredictable winter roads, Burns noted that contractors are also hesitant to take a contract in an isolated community where their labour would be entirely tied up.

James Robertson, Principal of the Jean Wetrade school, said that the community is worried that the project will be put on the shelf because of a lack of interest from contractors. Without these facilities, teenagers will continue to go to Behchoko for high school education.

"It's been a community based push," said Robertson. "Parents want their children living with their families."

Jim Martin, CEO of Tlicho Community Services, said that many people were hoping to see materials come in on this winter road. As the ice breaks, their hopes of a high school in town are also floating away.

Burns said the department dividing the project to try and attract smaller companies. He's hopeful they may be able to start building next summer.