The installation of air-conditioning units in public schools remains underway, but progress is slower in older buildings that require structural upgrades before new systems can be added, Cabinet officials said Thursday.

Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant said several schools were not originally constructed to accommodate air-conditioning, meaning installation cannot begin until necessary reconstruction or retrofitting is completed. He said newer school buildings and recent additions are being outfitted first because they are already designed for AC systems.

Merchant noted that the Ministry of Health and the Environment Division, through various funding partners, has secured a number of AC units for the education sector. However, he stressed that installation is not as simple as placing the units in classrooms, as many structures require electrical, ventilation or physical upgrades to safely support cooling systems.

He said the rollout is continuing but remains a work in progress as engineers assess buildings and complete reconstruction where necessary. Further updates will be provided as more installations move forward.