Computer centre closed after grand opening

Fourteen months after its grand opening the computer centre at Norton Bridge MMV which cost over Rs. 2.5 million is yet to function and remains closed. The construction of the centre was funded by the Asian Development Bank and work undertaken by the Central Provincial Council.

It was launched under the Mahinda Chinthana programme and the centre inaugurated on March 27, 2006 by Chief Minister Sarath Ekanayake.

Already some computers have become unusable due to damage caused to them by fluctuating voltage which in turn is said to be due to faulty wiring.

To add to this, leaking roofs have caused more damage to the computers and piecemeal methods like covering the roof and the computers with plastic sheets are being adopted as a safety measure.

Even the air conditioning system is not without faults due to sub-standard wiring. According to the school development board, the cost of buildings is nearly Rs. 10 million while the computers have cost a tidy Rs. 1.7 million, the three printers have cost Rs. 15,000, 46 chairs Rs. 6,000 each, two dozen tables Rs. 12,000 each, software Rs. 65,000 and a module provided by Sri Lanka Telecom for the internet connection Rs. 10,000.

The parlous situation has been brought to the notice of responsible authorities at the Buildings Department, the Education Department, the Provincial Council, district politicians and the President but no action seems to be taken to arrest the situation. The question being asked is how the technical officers authorised payment to the contractors without checking the workings.

The school happens to be the alma mater of ace runner Sugath Tillekeratne and parents of students appeal that the centre be activated in the interests of their children.

The school development society secretary said repeated appeals to the Education Ministry’s Building Unit have fallen on deaf ears. When contacted Additional Director of SEMP II E.P.T.Ekanayake he had this to say.

“It is over a year now since the computer centre at Norton Bridge Vidyalaya commenced. After its formal opening, an electrical fault put the computers out of commission. This was brought to my notice by the Principal and the master in charge of the subject verbally many times and in writing too.

I referred the matter to the sections concerned advising them to repair the system. I have instructed the engineer to take immediate action even by letter last Tuesday. But they do not seem to be interested in spite of the fact that all related complaints have been referred to the sections concerned. It is useless spending a colossal amount of money on something that cannot be made use of by children. There are several such complexes here but this is the only one that is at fault. I hope to take action once the report is received.”