MP order closure of girls’ ablution block at Mpongwe boarding school

Mpongwe West Member of Parliament, Emmanuel Kasambo, has ordered the immediate closure of the girls’ ablution block at Mpongwe Boarding Secondary School due to lack of a functional water reticulation system. Mr Kasambo, who visited the school yesterday, said the facility posed…

Mpongwe West Member of Parliament, Emmanuel Kasambo, has ordered the immediate closure of the girls’ ablution block at Mpongwe Boarding Secondary School due to lack of a functional water reticulation system.

Mr Kasambo, who visited the school yesterday, said the facility posed a serious health risk to pupils and could not remain in use without running water.

“We cannot have an ablution block with water challenges. I have directed that it be closed with immediate effect until the water problem is resolved,” he said.

The MP has since committed funds for the purchase of a 5,000 litre water tank for the girls’ block and a 2,000 litre tank for the boys’ block.

Mr Kasambo said a plumber will be engaged to ensure the tanks are connected and begin to supply water by the end of this week.

He has meanwhile expressed concern that some parents were struggling to meet boarding support obligations, a situation he said was affecting pupils’ welfare.

The lawmaker also donated 50 bags of mealie meal, five 25 kilogrammes (kg) bags of rice, five 25kg bags of beans, 100 litres of cooking oil and four crates of chicken to the school.

School authorities welcomed the gesture, saying the tanks and food donations would greatly help in addressing the immediate challenges faced by learners.