Sanitation problems force school to close

A SCHOOL in Port Moresby has been forced to close because of sanitation problems.
National Capital District education division assistant secretary Sam Lora said the Wardstrip Elementary School would be closed for an indefinite period to have its toilet facilities fixed.
He said the situation posed a health risk to around 300 children there.
“What they have there is a toilet situation, the sanitation issue which is a big concern especially for children attending the elementary school,” he said.
“They are very young children and it’s crucial that the action be taken. The school inspectors on their visit noted the situation and recommended the suspension,” Lora said.
The school, which is located near the Gordon police barracks, is a feeder school to the primary school nearby.
Lora said the situation was serious and with only a week before the first term holidays, they decided to suspended classes.
He hopes that there will be enough time to fix the toilet problem before students return to classes for term two in a fortnight.
“We have suspended classes so that the school can carry out the maintenance,” Lora said.
Head teacher Nancy Raga had earlier said the school was suspended due to the poor toilet facilities.
Raga said the suspension was directed by the National Capital District education division and they were only implementing the decision.
“The classes are suspended effective last Wednesday April 3 for an indefinite period until such time when the toilets are fixed,” she said.