By RICARDO WELLS

Tribune Staff Reporter

rwells@tribunemedia.net

OFFICIALS at the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MOEST) announced the closure of their Thompson Boulevard offices on Friday due to the continued malfunctioning of the building's air-conditioning unit.

In statement MOEST officials said "active measures" were being taken to address the situation.

On Thursday The Tribune reported that air-conditioning unit at the three-story complex had been out of service for roughly three weeks, forcing officials to implement four-hour work shifts to offset the arduous conditions.

That report indicated that several MOEST employees and those at the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, a sub-tenant of the building, had to vacate the building around 11am on Wednesday to escape rising temperatures inside.

On Friday, officials confirmed that parts have been purchased to repair the units and are expected to arrive in New Providence next week.

"Once the parts have arrived, the air conditioning technicians will work expeditiously to restore the units. Given the increased heat index outside, it is undoubtedly having an impact on the temperature within the building. The wellbeing of our staff and the public is our first priority," the statement read.

The Thompson Boulevard office complex is owned and operated by the National Insurance Board (NIB). As rental terms for most NIB buildings, the corporation is responsible for repairs and upkeep. The Ministry of Education confirmed earlier this week that it had been in contact with NIB to resolve the matter.