Saudi private sector to build 688 schools

A total of 688 new schools will be constructed during the next two years and will be financed by the private sector, according to Abdullah lbn Hamad Al Fouzan, assistant deputy education minister for projects and maintenance. Al Fouzan said 344 schools will be built during 1998 and the same number in 1999.

He said technical teams at education departments will carry out emergency repair and maintenance works for school buildings during the next few months.

The presidency for girls education also said it had approved 12 new educational projects in Makkah and surrounding villages. The projects will cost more than 47 million Saudi Riyal. The presidency has also approved 21 projects worth 5.4 million Saudi Riyal for rebuilding and maintenance of schools in the province.