CHEC donates $2.7 million to Charlemont High

Contributed

William Willis (second right), principal of Charlemont High, presents Zhu Jinfu (second left),deputy project manager of the Jamaica North-South Highway Project, with a certificate of appreciation for China Harbour's $2.7-million contribution. Sharing in the moment are Haijun Qiang (left) general office secretary and YongPing Man, Deputy construction manager, both from Section 1B of the North-South Highway.

Upon entering the Charlemont High School compound a few months ago, one would have seen a huge sunken area along the driveway that could be considered wasted land for the rapidly expanding student compliment.

A plea for assistance to fill this depression was sent to China Harbour's section 1B construction site office and, in response, the China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) has since provided equipment, building materials and the subsequent manpower all valued at approximately $2.7 million.

CHEC began its enhancement of the school compound over the summer, while the children were on holiday. The company arranged for the work to be done by CHEC employees and within a matter of days, bulldozers and other machinery were on the school's premises to begin the initial preparations for the overhauling of the school's grounds.

The agreement to assist with Phase I of the project saw the completion of a large landfill consisting of 4,520m³ of soil (fill material) transported through the use of 226 truckloads across a 10km distance. This area was compacted and levelled in preparation for Phase II of the project consisting of the laying of asphalt, landscaping and beautification.

In a recent ceremony with all students in attendance, Charlemont's principal, William Willis, alongside guidance counsellor Sydney Rose, thanked China Harbour for their assistance and presented the company with a certificate of appreciation.

In response, deputy construction manager of Section 1B of the North-South Highway Project, YongPing Man, said that his company was happy to participate in any infrastructure work in Jamaica.

"We are pleased to have been able to help Charlemont High in its construction efforts to develop the school. This is a joint attempt to build a better Jamaica, and, for those who are interested, we extend our welcome for your students to study in China when they are ready for the university level," he said.