Toilets fixed so school wants classes to resume

By EREBIRI ZURENUOC
A PRIMARY school in Lae is expected to reopen for classes this month after a final inspection by health officials is carried out this week.
The Gantom Primary School in West Taraka was closed for an indefinite period on August 6 due to health risks.
More than 1000 students were sent home.
According to health officials, the school’s toilet facilities were poor and those using them were at risk of contracting diseases and water supply needed to be restored to the ablution block. Head teacher Martina Tanialu told The National last week that the school had built 12 new toilets using tyres, concrete and frames.
Senior health inspector with Lae City Council’s health division Paul Lejuwom said a final inspection of the school’s toilet facilities would be done this week.
“After the final inspection, we will determine whether to give the green light for the school to accept students back in,” he said.
Senior health inspector, waste management, Paul Wiwi said a formal letter to reopen the school should be issued this week.
“We have gathered information from the head teacher that the school has already met some of the requirements in the closure notice,” Wiwi said.
“They have completed 12 new pit toilets which are properly constructed and ready for use by students.”
Wiwi said the remaining problem was water supply to the ablution block “because the school still has an outstanding bill to be paid to Water PNG.”