UGANDA, Jinja | Real Muloodi News | Several traditional primary schools in Jinja City continue to grapple with the presence of hazardous asbestos roofing, raising concerns about the health risks posed to thousands of pupils, local authorities have revealed.
According to Haruna Mulopa, the Education Officer of Jinja City, four primary schools are affected by this issue, namely Main Street, Naranbhai, Army Boarding, and MM Wanyange.
These schools, constructed in the 1950s, still have classrooms roofed with condemned asbestos, endangering the lives of students.
Asbestos, classified as a hazardous material by health organisations such as the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the International Labour Organisation (ILO), is known to cause various types of cancer, including lung, larynx, ovarian, and mesothelioma.
Despite the risks associated with asbestos exposure, financial constraints have hindered efforts to replace it with safer roofing materials in these schools.
Haruna Mulopa emphasised the urgent need for support from organisations to facilitate the removal of asbestos from school buildings, highlighting the long-term health implications for students and staff.
While no disease or fatality cases have been reported thus far, Mulopa stressed the importance of proactive measures to mitigate health risks associated with asbestos exposure.
To address the funding gap for asbestos removal, education authorities in Jinja City are exploring partnerships with alumni associations and other stakeholders.
Mulopa expressed optimism about the potential for collaboration with former pupils to secure financial assistance for asbestos replacement projects.
Meddy Mbetyo, the chairperson of the school finance management committee at Main Street Primary School, disclosed efforts made by the school community to raise funds for asbestos removal.
Initiatives such as marathons have been organised to mobilise resources, with Main Street Primary School raising USh12 million in February for de-roofing asbestos-infested buildings.
However, Mbetyo emphasised the need for government intervention to prioritise asbestos removal in schools across the region.
Highlighting the broader impact of asbestos contamination, Mbetyo emphasised that the presence of asbestos in school buildings affects not only students but also the wider community.
As such, urgent action is needed to address this pressing public health concern and ensure the safety of all residents in Jinja City.
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