Ntare School's sh2.5b laboratory construction underway

The new laboratory block under construction

The construction of a standard laboratory at Ntare School in Mbarara is in high gear.

The project which has been estimated to coast sh2.5b is a Government initiative through the education ministry.

Ntare School has been using an old science laboratory that was constructed in 1956, the same year the school came into existence.

However, after 61 years, the miserable aged-walls and brown asbestos structure will soon be history.

A student walks past the old Ntare School lab block

Ntare School headteacher Jimmy Turyagyenda is optimistic the new lab will help to better the already best performances in sciences at the school.

"The construction is going on schedule and we are hopeful the project will be completed in the stipulated time," Turyagyenda said.

Ntare School has been among the top best performing schools in sciences at both UCE and UACE in the country and in the 2016 UACE, the Mbarara-based side was ranked number three in the country.

Block Technical Services, who won the tender for the construction, is expected to hand over a completed work by January 2018.

The project includes three different laboratory blocks, including a combined physics and chemistry lab, biology and agriculture sections.

Government has already extended a hand in refurbishing other traditional schools such as Maryhill and Mbarara High School.

Ntare becomes the third school from Mbarara to benefit.