Opposition Member of Parliament Ketan Lal has called on the Ministry of Education to shut down schools affected by the upcoming water cuts announced by the Water Authority of Fiji.
Lal expressed concern in a statement about the serious health and safety risks posed to both students and teachers if schools continue to operate without a reliable water supply during the planned disruptions, which will affect multiple areas in the central division.
The MP criticized the Ministry for not closing the impacted schools, emphasizing that the well-being of children should never be compromised. He highlighted the urgent need for the Ministry to provide sufficient water supplies or alternative sources, such as water tanks, standpipes, or bottled water, to maintain hygiene standards in these facilities.
Lal urged the Ministry to work closely with the Water Authority and other relevant entities to establish contingency plans, ensuring minimal disruptions to education. He stated that it is unacceptable for students to be placed in conditions lacking essential facilities vital for their health and safety.
He concluded by stressing the need for the government to act decisively in prioritizing the welfare of students, urging the Minister of Education to responsibly close any schools severely affected by the water cuts until the issue is resolved completely.