Ketan Lal, an Opposition Member of Parliament, has described the recent series of fires in schools as a national crisis that requires urgent attention. He emphasized that the safety of students and their right to a continuous education should never be compromised.
Lal criticized the government for allegedly prioritizing excuses over effective solutions. He has urged both the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Infrastructure to send teams of experts to conduct thorough safety audits in every school across the nation. This initiative, he proposes, should be carried out in collaboration with fire authorities to pinpoint schools and classrooms that are particularly vulnerable and in dire need of intervention.
He expressed the necessity for a strategic plan to tackle fire hazards and ensure compliance with essential safety standards in educational institutions. Lal asserted that the situation demands immediate action rather than mere rhetoric or blame-shifting, which he claims has characterized the Coalition Government’s response thus far.
Highlighting the severe repercussions of the fires, he noted that they have caused extensive damage, disrupted numerous students’ education, and jeopardized lives. Lal stressed the urgency for action, stating, “Every day that this Government delays action, it risks another tragedy.”
He reiterated the opposition’s commitment to safeguarding the well-being of the nation’s youth and held the government accountable for the current state of negligence. Lal concluded by assuring the citizens of Fiji that their children’s safety remains a top priority and called for leadership instead of excuses.
This plea for action highlights not only the immediate need for safety measures in schools but also serves as a reminder of the importance of proactive governance in protecting future generations. The call for a comprehensive safety audit can be seen as a hopeful step towards ensuring that all educational institutions are equipped to provide a secure learning environment.
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