Ketan Lal, an Opposition Member of Parliament, has declared that the recent surge of fires in schools represents a national crisis requiring urgent intervention. He emphasized that the safety of students and their right to continuous education are paramount concerns.
Lal criticized the government for its tendency to offer excuses rather than pursuing effective solutions. He urged the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Infrastructure to promptly send teams of experts and auditors to evaluate every school in the country. This nationwide safety audit, he suggested, should be carried out in partnership with fire authorities to pinpoint schools and classrooms that pose the highest risks and need immediate action.
“We need a clear strategy to tackle fire threats and guarantee our schools adhere to essential safety standards. We cannot allow this situation to persist,” he stated firmly.
He further admonished that this is not the time for mere talk or for the government to shift blame onto others. Instead, Lal argued that decisive, quantifiable actions must be taken promptly. He highlighted that the fires have already inflicted considerable damage on educational institutions, disrupted the learning experience for numerous students, and endangered lives.
“Delays from the government only increase the risk of further tragedies,” Lal warned. He called upon the Coalition Government to recognize the pressing nature of this issue and emphasized that the Opposition will remain vigilant to safeguard the welfare of future generations.
In his closing remarks, Lal reassured the people of Fiji that the safety of their children is a priority for the Opposition, stressing that the time for excuses has ended and that strong leadership is necessary for immediate action.
Overall, the emphasis on immediate and actionable solutions to a critical issue facing educational institutions presents a hopeful outlook for enhancing the safety and well-being of students. A proactive response could help restore public confidence in school safety and ultimately lead to a more secure learning environment for future generations.
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