UGANDA, Rukungiri | Real Muloodi News | The head teacher of Nyamifura Primary School in Nyakageme Sub-County, Rukungiri District, Ms Lovence Biriiho, is deeply concerned about the safety of over 400 pupils due to a cracked pit latrine.
The latrine’s slab has developed cracks, posing a significant risk to the lives of the 357 primary learners and 85 children from the nursery section.
Ms Biriiho explained that the school pit latrine sunk on October 28, 2022. She immediately reported the incident to the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) and District Education Officer (DEO).
Despite efforts to raise funds, the school was unable to complete the construction of a new latrine due to financial constraints.
The pit latrine they were able to construct also suffered a similar fate when it sank after reaching a depth of 30 feet.
The head teacher emphasised the urgent need for attention to the deteriorating latrine situation.
The dilapidated latrine poses a serious risk, as the cracked slab could lead to accidents where children may fall into the pit.
She highlighted the importance of raising approximately USh1.5 million to complete the construction work promptly.
Currently, the school has a three-stance pit latrine shared by both teachers and a few nursery-section pupils. This situation has resulted in privacy issues and absenteeism, particularly among girls during menstruation periods.
The lack of adequate facilities for girls has had a direct impact on their education.
Rukungiri District Chairperson, Mr Geoffrey Kyomukama, acknowledged the issue and directed the sub-county chief and the Inspector of Schools to prepare an urgent report.
He recognised that sinking pit latrines were a common challenge in the sub-county due to the soft soil conditions.
The Member of Parliament for the area, Maj Gen Jim Muhwezi, also highlighted the severity of the situation, emphasising the need for proper facilities to prevent collapses and ensure the security and well-being of the students.
He pledged to construct separate modern pit latrines for male and female teachers and students.
Mr Moses Turyatemba, the outgoing President of the Rotary Club of Kololo in Kampala, expressed regret that the issue of the pit latrine was not brought to their attention earlier.
The Rotary Club had previously discussed with the headmistress the school’s needs, including a classroom block, a band, and a computer lab.
However, if the headmistress had mentioned the pit latrine as a challenge, they would have addressed it along with the other needs.
Nevertheless, Mr Turyatemba assured that if the Minister does not fulfil the promise, the Rotary Club would step in to assist in constructing a suitable pit latrine for the school.
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