Opposition MP Ketan Lal has called on the Ministry of Education to shut down schools affected by the impending water cuts announced by the Water Authority of Fiji. In a statement, Lal expressed concerns about the potential health and safety risks for students and teachers if schools remain operational without a reliable water supply.
He emphasized that the Ministry’s decision not to close the impacted schools is troubling. “The health and safety of children should never be compromised,” he asserted. Lal urged the Ministry to supply affected schools with adequate water resources or alternative solutions, such as water tanks, standpipes, or bottled water, to ensure hygiene standards are upheld.
Additionally, he urged the Ministry to collaborate with the Water Authority and other relevant agencies to implement contingency plans that would minimize disruptions to educational activities. Lal made it clear that it is unacceptable for students to be placed in environments that lack essential facilities for their health and safety.
He concluded by stressing the need for the government to prioritize students’ well-being. “I am urging the Minister for Education to take the responsible step of temporarily closing any schools that will be significantly impacted by the water cuts until the situation is fully resolved,” he stated.