FNC member asks minister to make UAQ school top priority

The Minister of Education has been challenged in the FNC over the dilapidated condition of a school in Umm Al Quwain.

Obaid Rakkad (UAQ) told the minister, Humaid Al Qattami, that Al Raeefa, a primary and secondary school, is in such a poor state that it should be rebuilt.

"It was built in 1981 and it has been poorly maintained," Mr Rakkad said. "Why didn't the school get proper care?"

The school has 106 pupils and is too small, lacks facilities and has problems with its electricity supply, he said.

"When they turn on the AC, the pupils can't hear the teacher and the teacher can't hear the pupils due to the loud sound," Mr Rakkad said.

The Ministry of Public Works says the school's electricity and air conditioning have been fixed, maintenance taken care of and laboratories added.

By 2015, the ministry plans to upgrade the school, increasing its space and facilities.

"There are a lot of schools in the area and its getting populated," said Mr Al Qattami. "By 2015, the school will be maintained."

Mr Rakkad said he hoped the ministry would make it a priority.

aalhameli@thenational.ae