Opposition MP Ketan Lal has called on the Ministry of Education to consider closing schools affected by upcoming water cuts announced by the Water Authority of Fiji. In a statement, Lal expressed concern over the planned disruptions, which will impact several areas in the central division, highlighting the significant health and safety risks for both students and teachers if schools continue to operate without sufficient water supply.
Lal criticized the Ministry for its decision not to close the schools that will be impacted, stating that the health and safety of children should never be compromised. He emphasized the urgent need for the Ministry to supply the affected schools with adequate water provisions or alternative sources, such as water tanks, standpipes, or bottled water, to uphold hygiene standards.
The Opposition MP urged the Ministry to collaborate with the Water Authority of Fiji and other relevant agencies to develop contingency plans that would minimize disruption to education. He remarked that it is unacceptable for students to be placed in conditions lacking the essential facilities required for their health and safety.
Lal insisted that the government must take immediate action to prioritize the well-being of students, urging the Minister of Education to make the responsible choice of temporarily closing any schools significantly impacted by the water cuts until the situation is fully rectified.