Unelco rehabilitates damaged schools under ENGIE funding

College de Montmartre on Efate, Tafea College and Iwunmit School in Lenakel area of West Tanna are the first schools to benefit from the PAM rehabilitation program initiated by Unelco Vanuatu’s mother company, ENGIE.

Immediately after cyclone Pam devastated the provinces of Shefa and Tafea, Unelco’s mother company ENGIE (ex- GDF SUEZ), based in France instructed the Vanuatu based utility company to carry out a survey and assessment of severely damaged schools in the affected areas.

ENGIE Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Gérard Mestrallet has decided to set apart a budget of a consequent amount of Vt40 million for the rehabilitation and rebuilding of the schools severely damaged by monster cyclone Pam.

“Under that program, Unelco Vanuatu is responsible for the management of the rehabilitation fund, a statement from the company says.

“This action is part of the sponsorship policy pursued by the Group through its subsidiary UNELCO VANUATU.”

Ms Alexia Courville, Unelco public relations officer, says that the rehabilitation projects on Collège de Montmartre, Tafea College and Iwunmit Primary School have already been approved by ENGIE.

In Tafea College, the rehabilitation project covers 2 class rooms and a staff house and the Total rehabilitation costs is Vt2.822 791.

The total building costs of two classrooms at the Iwunmit Primary school is valued at Vt3,556, 631.

“The rehabilitation budget for College de Montmartre is still under assessment and should be finalized in the coming days,” the company says.

Unelco Vanuatu has also identified several schools in Shefa province in additional to College de Montmartre in Efate that will benefit from this rehabilitation programme established by ENGIE.