MOROBE SCHOOLS TO RUN HALF-DAY CLASSES AS EL NINO WATER CRISIS WORSENS

CAPTION: Morobe Provincial Education Adviser, Mr. Keith Tangui. PC: Morobe Provincial News

By BRADLEY MARIORI

THE Morobe Provincial Education Board (PEB) has resolved to allow all schools in the province to operate on half-day classes due to the severe water scarcity caused by the ongoing El Nino dry spell.

Morobe Provincial Education Adviser, Mr. Keith Tangui, made the announcement today in Menyamya District during a visit to schools affected by the drought.

Mr. Tangui said the decision was made to allow both students and teachers time to search for clean water for their families.

“After lunch, they can go back home and look for water because of the water scarcity,” Mr. Tangui said.

He said the PEB understands that many communities in Morobe, particularly in the inland districts of Markham, Menyamya, Bulolo, and parts of Kabwum and Finschhafen, have seen their water sources dry up completely.

Tangui said students have been walking long distances in the afternoon just to fetch water.

“This is a temporary measure. We are putting the welfare of our children and teachers first. Learning cannot happen if our children are dehydrated and worried about water at home,” he said.