PARENTS CONCERNED OVER WATER CRISIS IN SCHOOLS IN WESTERN PROVINCE
CAPTION: One of the water wells used for drinking in Kukuzaba village, North Fly District. ABOVE: Fly River water low levels affecting deliveries of supplies.
BY KENNY ROMANUS
PARENTS across Western Province are raising alarm over the continued operation of schools amid the ongoing dry spell, saying the worsening shortage of clean water is placing students’ health and wellbeing at risk, especially in remote communities.
Despite severe drought conditions affecting much of the province, schools have remained open, with many struggling to access enough water for drinking, cooking, handwashing and other basic sanitation needs.
The prolonged lack of rainfall has left rainwater tanks empty, while creeks, streams and wells that schools rely on have either dried up or become unsuitable for human consumption.
Concerned parents say children are attending classes under difficult conditions, with some forced to bring water from home or rely on whatever limited water is available nearby.
“Our children deserve to continue their education, but they also need access to safe drinking water. Without it, their health is at serious risk,” a concerned parent said.
The situation is reported to be more severe in remote areas of North Fly, Middle Fly, South Fly and Delta Fly districts, where alternative water sources are scarce and communities have been battling the effects of the drought for several weeks.
Teachers continue to support students despite the challenging conditions, but many schools are finding it increasingly difficult to maintain proper hygiene and sanitation standards.
Parents and community leaders are now appealing to the National Government, the Western Provincial Government and district authorities to urgently intervene by supplying clean drinking water and other emergency assistance to affected schools.
With dry conditions expected to continue, communities fear the water crisis could further disrupt learning unless immediate action is taken to support schools and protect the wellbeing of students and teachers.
