Fires in Schools: A National Crisis Waiting for Action

Ketan Lal, a Member of Parliament from the Opposition, has labeled the recent series of fires in schools a critical national concern that requires prompt and effective intervention. He emphasized that the safety of students and their right to an uninterrupted education must be prioritized.

Lal criticized the government for what he perceives as a lack of action, claiming they are more focused on making excuses rather than providing real solutions. He has urged the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Infrastructure to deploy teams of experts and auditors to assess every school across the nation. This safety audit, which should involve fire authorities, aims to pinpoint schools and classrooms most at risk and needing immediate remediation.

He is advocating for a clear strategy to address potential fire hazards and ensure that educational facilities adhere to essential safety regulations. Lal expressed his dissatisfaction with the current situation, stating that it is unacceptable and calling for genuine, measurable actions from the government.

Highlighting the impact of these fires, Lal pointed out that they have already inflicted significant damage to educational institutions, disrupting many students’ learning experiences and compromising lives. He questioned how much longer such negligence could be tolerated, underscoring that this issue transcends political rivalry, as it directly affects the well-being of children and teachers.

Lal urged the Coalition Government to recognize the urgency of the crisis, insisting that the opposition would not remain passive while the safety of future generations hangs in the balance. He reassured the citizens of Fiji that their children’s safety is a paramount concern for him and his party. “The time for excuses is over; it’s time for leadership,” he concluded.

This rallying call for action, if heeded, could lead to improved safety measures and a proactive approach to fire prevention in schools, ensuring a safer learning environment for students across the nation. By urging swift action, Lal not only highlights the issues at hand but also fosters a sense of community responsibility and potential government accountability for safeguarding educational facilities.