Opposition MP Ketan Lal has called on the Ministry of Education to close schools affected by the upcoming water cuts announced by the Water Authority of Fiji. In a statement, Lal highlighted that the planned disruptions will impact several areas in the central division, creating significant health and safety concerns for both students and teachers if schools remain open without a sufficient water supply.
Lal expressed his alarm over the Ministry’s decision not to close the affected schools. He emphasized that the health and safety of children must always be a top priority. He urged the Ministry to provide adequate water supplies or alternative sources, such as water tanks, standpipes, or bottled water, in order to uphold hygiene standards.
The Opposition MP also stressed the importance of the Ministry coordinating with the Water Authority and other relevant agencies to establish contingency plans to minimize disruptions to education. He criticized the idea of requiring students to attend schools lacking essential facilities necessary for their well-being.
“The government must take decisive action to prioritize our students and ensure that no child is put at risk. I am urging the Minister for Education to make the responsible decision and temporarily close any schools that the water cuts will severely impact until the situation is fully resolved,” Lal stated.