Opposition MP Ketan Lal has called on the Ministry for Education to shut down schools affected by the upcoming water cuts announced by the Water Authority of Fiji. In his statement, Lal highlighted that these planned disruptions will impact multiple areas within the central division, creating significant health and safety concerns for both students and teachers if schools continue to operate without a reliable water supply.
Lal expressed deep concern over the Ministry’s choice to keep affected schools open. He emphasized that the welfare of children must always be prioritized. He stated that it is essential for the Ministry to ensure that impacted schools receive sufficient water supplies or alternative options like water tanks, standpipes, or bottled water to uphold hygiene standards.
The Opposition MP urged the Ministry to collaborate with the Water Authority of Fiji and other relevant organizations to devise contingency plans to limit disruptions to education. He condemned the idea of students having to endure conditions devoid of the most basic facilities needed for their health and safety.
“The government must act decisively to prioritize our students and ensure that no child is placed at risk. I am appealing to the Minister for Education to make a responsible choice and temporarily close schools adversely affected by the water cuts until the issue is fully addressed,” he stated.