Despite calls made by Opposition MP Ketan Lal to close schools that are set to be impacted by planned water supply disruptions from tomorrow until Sunday, Minister Aseri Radrodro has stressed that schools will remain open tomorrow as schools have water supply backups to ensure minimal disruption.
While responding to questions by fijivillage News, Radrodro says officials from the Ministry and the Water Authority of Fiji, had a meeting regarding the intermittent water supply issues.
He had earlier encouraged the heads of schools and teachers to ensure that there is an appropriate level of water backup for schools.
Lal says the planned disruptions, which will affect several regions across the Central Division, pose serious health and safety risks for students and teachers alike if schools remain open without access to adequate water supply.
He says it is deeply concerning that the Ministry has not yet taken proactive measures to address the imminent health and sanitation challenges that students will face.
Lal asks how can we expect our children to attend classes in schools where there is no clean water for drinking, no access to properly functioning toilets, and no facilities for hand washing.
He says these basic necessities are non-negotiable, and the Ministry must act swiftly to safeguard the well-being of our students and staff.
Lal says the health and safety of our children should never be compromised and he is urging the Minister to immediately assess which schools will be most affected by the planned water cuts and consider temporary closures or alternative arrangements until the water supply is fully restored.
He says it is also crucial that the Ministry provides affected schools with adequate water supplies or alternative water sources such as water tanks, standpipes, or bottled water to maintain hygiene standards.
The Opposition MP is also calling on the Ministry to coordinate with WAF and other relevant authorities to have contingency plans in place and ensure that any disruptions to education are minimized.
He says it is unacceptable for students to be forced into environments that lack the basic facilities necessary for their health and safety.
Lal says the government must take decisive action to prioritize our students and ensure that no child is put at risk.
He is urging Radrodro to make the responsible decision and temporarily close any schools that will be severely impacted by the water cuts until the situation is fully resolved.
Minister for Public Works Ro Filipe Tuisawau says he has been assured by the Water Authority of Fiji that enough water carting trucks are on standby to assist.
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