The Education Ministry says the preliminary cost to repair schools damaged during the passage of Hurricane Beryl is $797 million.

In a statement today, the Ministry said the 100 schools assessed are in 6 of the 7 regions.

It said the majority of the cost reflects schools in St. Ann and Trelawny.

Other schools in other parishes have been impacted negatively, but due to disruptions in communication and impassable roads, the information has not been submitted or verified.

The ministry noted that the preliminary submission does not account for any of the schools in region 2, which consists of St. Mary, Portland and St. Thomas, because of the disruptions in amenities.

It said it is hoped that by Friday all the post assessments will be completed, so that prioritization and procurement decisions can be effected.

Portfolio Minister Fayval Williams has expressed the ministry’s commitment to addressing the challenges swiftly, noting that the infrastructural safety and functionality of buildings are paramount.

Meantime, the ministry said of the 110 public libraries under the Jamaica Library Service (JLS), one of the most heavily trafficked branches, the Greater Portmore branch in St. Catherine, suffered severe damage.

The Ministry said the violent winds associated with hurricane Beryl, stripped the facility of its roofing, resulting in its closure to the public until further notice.

Additionally other libraries across the island have reported minor water damage due to exacerbated leakages.

The Ministry said the JLS is addressing these issues to prevent further deterioration and ensure the safety of patrons and staff.

It said with the exception of the main library in St. Elizabeth, all main libraries in the parishes are open to the public.