Opposition MP Ketan Lal has called on the Ministry for Education to shut down schools affected by the forthcoming water cuts announced by the Water Authority of Fiji. Lal expressed concerns in a statement, highlighting that the planned disruptions will impact several areas in the central division and present significant health and safety risks for both students and teachers if schools remain operational without sufficient water supply.
He criticized the Ministry for its decision not to close the impacted schools, emphasizing that the well-being of children should never be compromised. Lal underscored the necessity for the Ministry to provide these schools with adequate water supplies or alternative sources, such as water tanks, standpipes, or bottled water, to uphold hygiene standards.
The Opposition MP further urged the Ministry to collaborate with the Water Authority of Fiji and other relevant agencies to establish contingency plans that will help minimize disruptions to education. He stated that it is unacceptable for students to be placed in conditions lacking essential facilities necessary for their health and safety.
Lal concluded by stressing the need for the government to take decisive measures to prioritize students’ safety, urging the Minister for Education to make the prudent choice to temporarily close any schools that will be significantly affected by the water cuts until the issue is fully addressed.