Opposition Member of Parliament Ketan Lal has called on the Ministry of Education to shut down schools affected by the planned water cuts announced by the Water Authority of Fiji. In a statement, Lal expressed concern over the serious health and safety risks to both students and teachers posed by the planned disruptions, which will impact several areas in the central division if schools remain operational without sufficient water supply.
Lal criticized the Ministry’s decision not to close the affected schools, underscoring that the health and safety of children should always be a priority. He emphasized the urgent need for the Ministry to supply these schools with adequate water resources or alternative sources, such as water tanks, standpipes, or bottled water, to uphold hygiene standards.
The Opposition MP urged the Ministry to work in coordination with the Water Authority of Fiji and other relevant authorities to establish contingency plans, ensuring that educational disruptions are minimized. He stated that it is unacceptable for students to be placed in environments lacking the essential facilities required for their health and safety.
“The government must take decisive action to prioritize our students and ensure that no child is at risk. I am urging the Minister for Education to responsibly decide to temporarily close any schools significantly impacted by the water cuts until the situation is fully addressed,” Lal stated.